Seasonal Header Operator - Balaklava, SA

Drover Ag Recruitment; Balaklava; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-farm housing

Meal allowance

Vehicle provided

Job summary

Whitwarta Pastoral seeks an experienced Seasonal Header Operator for Balaklava, SA, running November 2026 to January 2027. You will operate John Deere S680 harvesters, perform daily checks, and support efficient grain harvesting with on-the-go unloading.

The role offers an hourly rate with meal allowance and a vehicle for on-farm duties, plus flexible accommodation options. A collaborative, family-oriented harvest team awaits.

Qualifications

• Experience operating modern harvest machinery, especially John Deere S-Series.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with routine maintenance and checks.
• Cooperative team player in a fast-paced harvest environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate harvesters and on-the-go unloading during harvest season.
• Perform daily machinery checks, greasing, and basic maintenance.
• Possibly drive road-train trucks (MC/HC license) depending on needs.

Skills

Harvester operation

Header operation

John Deere S680 experience

Mechanical aptitude

Team cooperation

Tools

John Deere S-Series machines

Job description

Seasonal Header Operator - Balaklava, SA

• Flexible housing: on-farm residence, local cabin, or caravan site
• Hourly rate with a meal allowance and a vehicle provided

The Employer:

Whitwarta Pastoral is a respected, family-owned enterprise spanning 5,500 hectares in the highly productive Mid North region of South Australia. The operation runs an extensive broadacre cropping program of cereals, pulses, and vetch hay, complemented by 100 head of cattle and 100 head of sheep. Built on strong family values, inclusion, and a shared passion for modern agriculture, the business is run by several family members and a full-time farmhand. Whitwarta Pastoral prides itself on maintaining a welcoming, supportive work atmosphere where every team member's contribution is valued and respected.

The Role

Our client seeks an experienced and enthusiastic Harvester/Header Operator to play a vital role in their upcoming harvest, running from early November 2026 through January 2027. Operating modern John Deere S680 harvesters, the primary responsibility will be efficient grain harvesting and on-the-go unloading/emptying. You will take pride in performing essential daily machinery checks, grease runs, and routine maintenance to keep operations running smoothly and safely. Depending on operational needs and your background, there may also be opportunities to drive the Western Star road train trucks. This is a fast-paced yet rewarding role within a collaborative, highly efficient harvest team.

The Offer

Whitwarta Pastoral offers a generous hourly rate (negotiable based on experience), plus a meal allowance during harvest operational hours. A work vehicle is provided for on-farm duties. Flexible accommodation solutions are offered, tailored to your needs, ranging from comfortable, furnished on-farm housing to a cosy cabin at the local caravan park, or dedicated powered parking if you bring your own caravan!

Located in the vibrant Mid North region of South Australia, Whitwarta offers an exceptional balance of rural lifestyle and convenience. The property is located just a short drive from the major regional service hub of Balaklava, offering full amenities, shops, and sports facilities. For your downtime, you are only 100 km north of Adelaide and ideally positioned near the pristine coastline of Gulf St Vincent, as well as the famous beaches, fishing spots, and scenic beauty of the Yorke Peninsula.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a cooperative, self-motivated operator who thrives in a progressive family farm setting and brings solid experience in broadacre harvest machinery.

• Proven experience operating modern combine harvesters (experience with John Deere S-Series machines is highly regarded).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and dedication to daily maintenance, machinery care, and servicing routines.
• Positive, enthusiastic attitude with strong cooperative skills to integrate into a close-knit, family-focused team.
• Truck-driving experience (MC/HC license for road-train operation) is a valuable bonus but not essential.
• High regard for workplace health and safety protocols during peak harvest hours.

• Proven experience operating modern combine harvesters (experience with John Deere S-Series machines is highly regarded).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and dedication to daily maintenance, machinery care, and servicing routines.
• Positive, enthusiastic attitude with strong cooperative skills to integrate into a close-knit, family-focused team.
• Truck-driving experience (MC/HC license for road-train operation) is a valuable bonus but not essential.
• High regard for workplace health and safety protocols during peak harvest hours.