Seasonal Workforce Coordinator

Rock Ridge Farming; Atherton; On-site; AUD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Rock Ridge Farming on the Atherton Tablelands seeks a Seasonal Workforce Coordinator to manage PALM Scheme workforce requirements, welfare, recruitment, and compliance across Tolga head office and farm sites. You’ll work with Welfare Officers, Accommodation Managers, and Farm teams to ensure timely, compliant recruitments and strong worker wellbeing.

This full-time role offers a negotiable starting rate of AU$35.00–$40.00 per hour, flexible rosters to suit sport, family, or lifestyle

Qualifications

• Experience in welfare, workforce coordination or a similar role.
• Proven ability to manage incidents, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership and manage competing priorities.
• Clear, professional and culturally aware communication.
• Sound judgement and ability to handle sensitive situations; welfare-focused.

Responsibilities

• Respond to worker concerns and support day-to-day welfare needs.
• Manage worker-related incidents from initial response to resolution with documentation.
• Identify risks and escalate urgent issues as required.
• Collaborate with Welfare Officers, Accommodation Managers and farm teams to resolve issues.
• Advise workers on resources available to them in Australia.
• Coordinate seasonal recruitment and ensure timely, compliant recruitments.
• Liaise with Labour Sending Units and Country Liaison Officers to build relationships.
• Arrange arrivals/departures, including travel to Cairns Airport.
• Conduct on-arrival briefings to orient workers.
• Complete visa, travel bookings, scanning and filing; maintain records.

Skills

Welfare coordination

Incident management

Organizational skills

Communication

Independent work

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Rock Ridge Farming is a family-owned and operated agricultural business based on the stunning Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland. With a long history of producing high-quality fresh produce, we place just as much value on the wellbeing of our people as we do on our crops. With a workforce of 150–300 employees across nine farm sites, we offer a diverse, dynamic environment where you can build a long-term career.

We invest in people, not just positions. Strong performers are supported to move across different areas of the business as their experience and interests develop.

We have a modern office environment located in the Tolga Industrial Estate.

About this role

Our Seasonal Workforce Coordinator is primarily responsible for managing our workforce requirements and obligations under the PALM Scheme. The PALM Scheme is an Australian Government program which provides opportunities for people from the Pacific Islands to work in Australia.

This is a hands‑on workforce coordination role with a strong focus on worker welfare and support, recruiting, compliance and incident management. You'll be based primarily at our Tolga head office, while also spending time on farm sites and at accommodation locations as required. You’ll work closely with different internal and external parties both within Australia and the Pacific to ensure workforce matters and recruitments are managed effectively and in a timely manner.

You’ll be given responsibility and autonomy in your role, with support from experienced managers as you build confidence across all areas of workforce coordination.

This is a full-time, permanent position with a starting rate of $35.00-$40.00 per hour, negotiable based on skills and experience.

As a flexible workplace, we’re happy to negotiate your roster to suit sporting, family, or lifestyle commitments.

What You’ll Be Supported to Do

• Respond to worker concerns and supporting day-to-day welfare needs
• Manage worker-related incidents (health, behaviour, accommodation and absences) from initial response through to resolution including documentation, coordinating and attending medical appointments and required follow up within required timeframes.
• Identify risks and elevate urgent/critical/sensitive issues where required
• Work closely with Welfare Officers, Accommodation Managers and farm teams to resolve issues effectively as well as facilitating personal conversations to address worker concerns.
• Seek guidance and provide information to workers on resources available to them in Australia.
• Liaise with farms to determine seasonal workforce requirements and ensure recruitments are on time and compliant.
• Liaise with Labour Sending Units and Country Liaison Officers to build positive relationships and support timely recruitments.
• Arrange and facilitate arrivals and departures, including travel to Cairns Airport.
• Conduct ‘On Arrival Briefings’ with workers to ensure they are ready and settled upon arrival.
• Complete administrative tasks such as visa applications, booking flights, scanning and filing.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation and communication across all activities in a timely manner.

You will not be expected to know everything on day one.

Team Values

We’re looking for someone who aligns with our values – even if your experience isn’t a perfect match.

Accountability

Takes responsibility for their role, owns mistakes, acts with integrity and learns from them.

Care

Shows genuine care for teammates and the business, treats people with respect, speaks up if something isn’t right and prioritises safety every day.

Team Player

Works collaboratively to get the job done, communicates clearly, pulls their weight and supports their team.

Initiative

Proactive and resourceful. Willing to step up, solves problems and takes action without being asked.

Ownership Mentality

Treats the business as if its own. Makes decisions carefully, takes pride in their work and considers the bigger picture

Committed to doing things properly the first time and doesn’t cut corners when it comes to safety, quality or doing the right thing.

Support in Place

You won’t be starting from scratch.

Established PALM systems already in place

Support from experienced managers and supervisors

Time and training to learn the role properly

A business that values learning and effort over perfection

The Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone approachable, organised, and capable. You’ll bring:

• Experience in welfare, workforce coordination or a similar role
• Proven ability to manage incidents, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment and is calm under pressure.
• Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to work independently, take ownership and manage competing priorities
• Clear, professional and culturally aware communication skills and management
• Sound judgement and ability to handle sensitive or urgent situations appropriately
• Enjoys working both independently and collaboratively across teams
• Intermediate Microsoft Word and Excel skills

Highly Regarded (but not essential):

Experience with the PALM Scheme or similar programs

What's in It for You?

Variety in your work – no two days are the same

A meaningful role where you directly support worker wellbeing and safety

Supportive, family-oriented workplace culture

Flexibility to suit your lifestyle

The opportunity to grow your skills and career long-term

The lifestyle and community of the Atherton Tablelands

• A supportive and collaborative team across farms and accommodation