Senior Operator Farm Operations

East Gippsland Water; Shire of East Gippsland; On-site; AUD 73,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing subsidies

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Diversity & Inclusion culture

Employee discounts via Flare

Job summary

East Gippsland Water seeks a Senior Operator Farm Operations to drive large-scale farm activities, including recycled water irrigation and livestock management, in Gippsland’s unique agricultural setting.

The role supports the Senior Coordinator, coordinates irrigation, soil and environmental monitoring, and oversees contractors while aligning with sustainability and financial targets. Flexible and inclusive work culture encouraged.

Qualifications

• Experience leading farm and livestock management or water recycling applications.
• Knowledge of water recycling regulation and related legislation.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong time management to handle peak activity.
• Interpersonal skills to provide day-to-day direction to team members.
• Commitment to personal development and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate irrigation scheduling and recycled water application to maximise yields.
• Ensure compliance with HEMPs, SMPs, environmental requirements and procedures.
• Coordinate soil testing, environmental monitoring and farm compliance activities.
• Oversee livestock management, including planning, animal health, welfare and paddock rotations.
• Provide leadership, coaching and technical support to staff and contractors.
• Support budgeting, procurement, record management, audits and reporting requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Farm management

Irrigation management

Stakeholder engagement

Time management

Job description

Welcome to the East Gippsland Water Careers Portal. For enquiries, please reach out to our People, Safety & Culture team at [e-mail] or phone [phone].

Work across large-scale commercial farming, livestock production and recycled water irrigation in one of Gippsland's most unique agricultural operations. Drive sustainable farm and irrigation activities in a secure and rewarding role within a collaborative workplace committed to safety and innovation. Enjoy benefits including ADOs, wellbeing initiatives, EAP support, gym membership discounts, and values-led learning and development opportunities.

• Positive team environment where safety, wellbeing and collaboration come first.
• Strong learning and development with clear pathways for growth and mobility
• Coordinate irrigation, livestock and pasture programs to maximise farm performance

East Gippsland Water provide an essential service to customers across our region, priding ourselves on our workplace culture of collaboration, innovation, authenticity and accountability. If you want to apply your skills and develop a career in a customer-focused industry, we would like to hear from you.

Job Description

About the role

Drive large-scale commercial farming, livestock production and recycled water irrigation in one of Gippsland’s most unique agricultural operations.

The Senior Operator Farm Operations supports the Senior Coordinator in planning and delivering East Gippsland Water’s recycled water irrigation and farm operations. This hands‑on role is responsible for coordinating irrigation activities, including responding to periods of intensive irrigation to manage recycled water storage and minimise the risk of emergency waterway releases. The position also oversees pasture management and harvesting programs, cattle purchasing and sales strategies, monitoring and reporting of recycled water storage levels, and the day‑to‑day management of contractors.

In addition, the role provides direction and support to Reuse Operators, contributes to the development and implementation of soil remediation programs, and assists in optimising farm productivity, sustainability and financial returns. The Senior Operator is also expected to act in the Senior Coordinator role during periods of leave, ensuring continuity of operations and leadership across the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate irrigation scheduling and recycled water application to maximise yields and reuse volumes.
• Ensure compliance with HEMPs, SMPs, environmental requirements and operational procedures.
• Support recycling and irrigation operations across Mitchell district and outer depot farms.
• Coordinate soil testing, environmental monitoring and farm compliance activities.
• Manage relationships with third‑party customers, licence holders and reuse scheme stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and expansion of recycled water schemes and reuse opportunities.
• Identify and implement innovative irrigation and farm management practices.
• Monitor reuse supply agreements, lease performance, compliance and operational outcomes.
• Support farm rehabilitation works, biosolids management and emergency waterway release responses.
• Oversee livestock management, including planning, animal health, welfare and paddock rotations.
• Coordinate pest, weed and feral animal control programs across EGW properties.
• Manage farm infrastructure, asset maintenance, contractors and minor renewal projects.
• Provide leadership, coaching and technical support to staff and contractors.
• Support budgeting, procurement, record management, audits and reporting requirements.
• Promote a safe, collaborative and inclusive workplace while ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and biosecurity standards.

W hy Join East Gippsland Water:

• Strong learning, training and professional development opportunities
• Clear pathways for progression and internal mobility
• Enjoy monthly ADOs for full - time team members
• Flexible work arrangements that support life outside work
• Biannual (Health & Wellbeing financial subsidies
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (counselling, coaching and wellbeing services)
• Inclusive culture that champions diversity and wellbeing
• A proud commitment to sustainability and community impact
• Access exclusive discounts and perks through Flare (Employee Benefits program)
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Modern technology and tools that enable innovation

At East Gippsland Water, you'll be part of a collaborative team delivering essential services that matter. We offer a supportive and inclusive culture, career growth opportunities, wellbeing initiatives, work‑life balance and the chance to make a lasting impact on our community and environment.

As part of our commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace, we strongly encourage applications from experienced women and men, First Nations People, people with differing abilities, LGBTQI+, culturally and ethnically diverse candidates to best represent and engage with our community.

To find out more about this position, you can obtain a Position Description by visiting our website egwater.vic.gov.au/positions-vacant, or by emailing our People & Culture team at [e-mail] or on 03 5150 4444.

Applications close on Wednesday 11th November2026

* This role has been classified as per our Enterprise Agreement as a Band 3.01-3.05 position, 72,912.23 - $83,811.38 per annum

* Plus 12% employer superannuation contribution. We reserve the right to remunerate successful candidates within the span of this classification dependant on demonstrated skills, experience and qualifications.

*Shortlistedapplicants may be required to undertake a pre-employment medical and National PoliceCheck.

* Mandatory vaccinations may apply

Desired Skills and Experience

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Demonstrated sound practical knowledge and experience in leading farm and livestock management, water recycling applications or similar.
• A capacity to build strong knowledge in the water recycling and farm regulatory environment, and related legislative instruments governing the water industry.
• Capacity to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders including collaboration and communication processes
• Effective time management skills combined with the ability to prioritise to ensure good quality outcomes during times of peak activity.
• Well‑developed interpersonal skills ensuring the ability to effectively provide day to day direction to team members and to negotiate and influence others to achieve beneficial outcomes.
• A positive attitude towards personal development including being accountable, innovative, passionate and united to achieve best for business outcomes.