Farm Care Technician

Matthew Flinders Anglican College is widely recognised as one of Queensland's leading schools, providing an exceptional learning environment for students, and a dynamic and collegial environment for teachers.

The Flinders Farm is a half-hectare property on-site at the College. It is used as a vibrant, hands-on learning hub for Flinders’ more than 1,400 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12.

The farm boasts an orchard, multiple vegetable gardens, productive bee hives, chickens, and Erol the emu who came to the College as a chick from the Forest Glen Deer Sanctuary 22 years ago.

Through Agriculture Science in Year 9 as well as custom workshops and lunchtime visits, the students are able to learn vital skills such as how to build veggie gardens, make nutrient-rich soil, design and implement fertigation systems, grow food and compost. Students also help the Farm's expert manager to harvest the honey, which is up for sale, and then turn the waste materials into beeswax and other products.

Due to the success and growth of the Flinders Farm, we are now seeking to appoint a Farm Care Technician or “Farm Hand” to provide support to the Flinders farm Manager in the day-to-day operations. 

Your responsibilities will encompass various aspects of farm management, including animal care, horticulture, and maintenance. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the educational journey of our students while fostering sustainable practices within our community.

Available for an immediate start, this is a permanent part-time position working 15 hours per week. 

The College’s core values are Courage, Respect, Integrity and Compassion. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned with these values.

To be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate the following experience, skills and attributes: 

• Positive Working with Children Check (QLD Blue Card) (or ability to obtain)
• Open and unrestricted manual driver’s license 
• Chemical and spray licence - AC DC (or willingness to obtain a licence)
• First Aid and CPR Certificates 
• Horticultural experience is advantageous, along with knowledge of spraying systems and organic cropping.  
• Beekeeping skills are highly desirable, though not essential.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, and volunteers.
• Physical stamina and the ability to perform manual labour in outdoor environments, and in hot, humid conditions. 
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, occasional weekends or be available for special events or farm-related activities.

To apply for this position, please submit the following documentation to Mrs Anita Gibson, Head of Secondary via SEEK: 

• Resume
• Brief Covering Letter (no longer than two pages) which addresses:
  • The reason for your interest
  • Your availability to commence and details of any pre-booked leave
  • Your demonstrated experience and skills in relation to the role.

A copy of the full Position Description can be downloaded from www.mfac.edu.au/careers 

Applications close at 4.00pm on 22 March 2024. 

Safeguarding our Students

Matthew Flinders Anglican College supports the rights of children and young people and is committed to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of Students. Matthew Flinders Anglican college is therefore committed to responding to allegations of student harm resulting from the conduct or actions of any person including that of employees.

To ensure the safeguarding of our students, all employees must have a current Employee Working with Children Check (Qld Blue Card or Qld Teacher Registration) before commencing work.  In addition, included throughout the recruitment process are checks of suitability for employment with children.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Matthew Flinders Anglican College is an equal opportunity employer. We recognise that teams who reflect a diversity of lived experience, identity, perspective, and background help us to create a healthy and inclusive working culture where our staff, students and community can thrive.