Farm Hand (Research Support), Dookie Campus

• Support the practical implementation of grazing and cropping research trials
• Contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable farming practices
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading

About the Role
Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Farm Hand (Research Support) at the Dookie Campus will play a pivotal role in assisting with day-to-day operations for grazing and cropping research trials within the "Long-term trials of drought resilient farming practices" project. Alongside supporting broader campus farm and horticultural activities, the Farm Hand will collaborate with research staff to manage and implement grazing and cropping experiments. Operating under the guidance of the Farm Manager, responsibilities include tasks ranging from tractor operation and spraying to fencing, stick raking, hay feeding, and sheep flock management.
This position will require physical activity including manual handling and animal restraint and to work outside normal hours during peak periods such as cropping and harvest seasons.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Assist with practical day-to-day operations of grazing and cropping research trials ('Long-term trials of drought resilient farming practices') at the Dookie Campus, which includes but is not limited to; operating the tractor, spraying, fencing, stick raking, feeding out hay, managing the sheep flock (e.g. feeding, moving, drafting, penning and shearing sheep)
• Assist academic and research staff in cropping and grazing experiments
• Undertake other practical tasks as required relating to livestock husbandry and broadacre cropping
• Assist the Farm Manager with general farm operations at the Dookie Campus
• Handle animals safely at all times

Who we are looking for
You will possess a Certificate III or equivalent experience in agriculture, coupled with demonstrated Farm Hand experience in both grazing and cropping enterprises. Additionally, proficiency in Microsoft programs, particularly Outlook, is essential.
You will also:

• Hold a full Drivers Licence valid in the State of Victoria
• Be prepared to have vaccinations for Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B and Q fever
• Be competent to safely operate heavy farm machinery and other farm vehicles, e.g. tractor, spray rig, auger.
• Be required to handle and use farm chemicals

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.
This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.
Your New Team - “The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences“
The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences has a vision of science for flourishing environments and communities. The School brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices. Our expertise spans biophysical, social and technical sciences, and we support a large cohort of PhD students across these domains.
Dookie campus has played a key role in the development of agriculture and agricultural teaching and learning in Australia since 1886 and it remains a focal point for the key research, teaching and technology development that is helping to shape the future of agriculture in Australia.
Situated on 2,440 hectares the campus includes a small community which houses our students and teaching staff, merino sheep, an orchard, robotic dairy, winery and a natural bush reserve.
What we offer you!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information check out page!
The University of Melbourne
We're tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via and stay connected with our stories and people on .
Be yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit page.
We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -
Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
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Advertised: 14 Mar 2024 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 04 Apr 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time