Senior Operator – Farming (Northern) Goulburn Valley Water

WIOA; Greater Shepparton; Hybrid; AUD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-Time position

Regional lifestyle benefits

12 RDOs per year

Supportive leadership team

OHS and staff wellbeing programs

Job summary

Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) is seeking a Senior Operator – Farming to join our Commercial Operations team and lead farming activities across GVW’s Northern region, including Tongala, Cobram, Shepparton and surrounding districts.

The role combines hands-on farming with leadership, including irrigation management, livestock operations, cropping, pasture management, farm maintenance and contractor coordination.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Agriculture; or Certificate III in Agriculture with at least 5 years' relevant experience; or 7+ years relevant experience.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in farm agriculture including irrigation, livestock, feedlot and cropping operations.
• Experience leading, coaching or supporting a small team
• Experience in livestock and pasture management, particularly cattle or sheep operations
• Experience operating and maintaining irrigation systems and equipment
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn and utilise farm management software and digital systems
• A strong commitment to safety and safe work practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational, self-management and problem‑solving skills
• A hands‑on approach and the ability to work outdoors in a range of conditions

Responsibilities

• Lead farming operations across our Northern region, including irrigation, livestock, cropping and pasture management.
• Mentor and support farm operators and trainees to build a high-performing team culture.
• Coordinate farm maintenance and contractor activities to meet operational plans.
• Support planning and reporting using farm management systems and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Travel across GVW districts as required to meet operational needs.
• Assist with budgeting and practical hands-on farming responsibilities as required.

Skills

Leadership

Irrigation management

Livestock operations

Pasture management

Crop management

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Education

Certificate IV in Agriculture; or Certificate III in Agriculture with 5+ years relevant experience; or 7+ years relevant experience

Tools

AgriWebb

AgWorld

Irrigation systems

Job description

Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) provides quality water and wastewater services to 54 towns in North Central Victoria. Our purpose is to support healthy and prosperous communities.

We are seeking a Senior Operator – Farming to join our Commercial Operations team and support farming activities across GVW’s Northern region.

Drawing on your farming experience and leadership capability, you will help support and mentor a small team while contributing to a broad range of agricultural activities including irrigation, livestock management, cropping, pasture management and farm maintenance.

This is a hands‑on role that combines field‑based work with leadership responsibilities, helping to ensure safe, sustainable and commercially viable farming operations across our region.

If you’re passionate about agriculture, enjoy working outdoors and are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, we’d love to hear from you.

About your new role…

GVW operates a diverse farming enterprise across multiple locations, delivering sustainable and commercially viable agricultural operations that complement our broader business activities.

Supporting the Farm Coordinator and Team Leaders, you will play a key role in leading farming operations across our Northern farming areas, including Tongala, Cobram, Shepparton and surrounding districts.

The role involves a mix of hands‑on farming and leadership responsibilities, including irrigation management, livestock operations, cropping, pasture management, farm maintenance and contractor coordination. You will also provide mentoring and support to farm operators and trainees, contributing to a positive and high‑performing team culture.

You will utilise a range of farm management and computer‑based systems, assist with planning and reporting, and help ensure compliance with operational, environmental and safety requirements.

To meet operational requirements, you will ideally be located within GVW’s Northern operating region. Travel across GVW districts may be required from time to time.

About you…

We are looking for someone with:

• Certificate IV in Agriculture; or Certificate III in Agriculture with at least 5 year’s relevant experience; or a minimum of 7 year’s relevant experience
• Minimum 7 year’s experience in farm agriculture including irrigation, livestock, feedlot and cropping operations.
• Experience leading, coaching or supporting a small team
• Experience in livestock and pasture management, particularly cattle or sheep operations
• Experience operating and maintaining irrigation systems and equipment
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn and utilise farm management software and digital systems
• A strong commitment to safety and safe work practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational, self-management and problem‑solving skills.
• A hands‑on approach and the ability to work outdoors in a range of conditions

The following will be highly regarded:

• Experience with contractor management
• Experience purchasing farm equipment and/or delivering farm infrastructure projects
• HC Truck Licence
• Completion of a recognised leadership program
• Experience using farm management software such as AgriWebb, AgWorld or automated irrigation systems

Applicants must hold a current driver’s licence, and be an Australian Citizen, permanent resident or hold a visa permitting work in Australia.

Where you’ll be working…

Don’t take our word for the amazing liveability/lifestyle benefits of the regions we service, check out these sites to learn about where you could work and play; Greater Shepparton region, Go Seymour Go Nagambie and Strathbogie Shire Podcasts, Destination Cobram

What you’ll get….

You will have the opportunity to join a diverse and inclusive organisation with strong ties to our regional community.

• Classification GVW3: $82,541 – $100,700 + super (salary starting point is dependent upon relevant qualifications, skills, and experience)
• A Full-Time position
• Regional lifestyle benefits
• 12 Rostered Day’s Off (RDO’s) per year
• Opportunity to make a difference to the team and wider organisation and contribute to the ongoing liveability and prosperity of the region you live in
• An organisation committed to OHS and safe working practices and the wellbeing of its staff including flu vaccinations, skin checks, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Strong leadership team
• Encouragement and support to pursue professional growth and development opportunities.
  Annual performance reviews that encourage, recognise and reward performance.
• Supportive team culture
• Flexible, diverse, and inclusive workplace

For further information, please contact Justin Walta, Manager – Commercial Operations on

0437 801 511

Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 15 November 2026

Interested?

Goulburn Valley Water is an equal opportunity employer valuing all people, diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.