AddressJoin this progressive, family-owned agribusiness dedicated to productivity, sustainability, and land management at the foot of the Grampians National Park in Victoria.
The Employer
Established in 1967, our client, Dunkeld Pastoral Co., is a private landholder of Australian agricultural assets with several properties in the Western Districts of Victoria, all near Dunkeld, covering 12,500 ha. They aim to be an enduring market leader in the sustainable production of livestock, with a continuous growth and improvement approach. The business holds strong values in ethics and care of land and animals, ensuring the highest quality and best practice standards are adhered to.
The company also operates two pastoral properties in the Kimberley, which are managed to protect the region's unique biodiversity and interest in an iconic property in the Northern Territory.
The role:
We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join this large, rapidly expanding, innovative, and progressive family-owned company as Farm Manager of the Mt Sturgeon group of properties. The properties span over 1,520 hectares of productive volcanic soils across three adjoining farms, currently running 3,000 elite, non-mulesed dual-purpose Merino ewes, and 3,000 wethers, along with 150 Angus breeding cows. Additionally, Mt Sturgeon provides Agri-tourism services with accommodation and event spaces managed by the Royal Mail Hotel.
The successful candidate for this position will manage all aspects of property management and livestock husbandry. A thorough understanding of Merino genetics, livestock management, feeding regimes, and grazing techniques will be necessary to ensure maximum production. Additionally, a vital component of this role will be assisting in and implementing breeding programs, focusing on specific traits and data recording. A comprehensive knowledge of these highly favourable aspects is essential for success in this position.
You'll oversee three properties, two of which are well-developed, while the third is currently under development. Pasture renovation programs are conducted annually. You'll work autonomously and supervise another staff member to improve the enterprise, reporting regularly to the operations manager. You must maintain accurate records of all stock, stock movements, and pasture management and communicate any concerns to the operations manager.
Day-to-day duties and minimum requirements
- Plan and supervise all livestock husbandry practices, including mustering, parasite/disease control, branding, castrating, preg-testing, classing, weaning, and checking watering points, gates, fences, and boundaries.
- Supervise/ perform the induction and out-loading processes for livestock.
- Coordinate and oversee the weaning of livestock, including nutrition and handling.
- Plan and implement a grazing/ feeding plan in consultation with the Operations Manager
- Ensure all staff adhere to OH&S practices.
- Previous experience in a large-scale pasture-based livestock system, with a strong background in intensive sheep/wool production systems, will be highly advantageous.
- Proven experience building, managing, and retaining a high-performing team.
- A willingness to maintain an effective team of working dogs is essential.
- Sound knowledge of animal health.
- Hold or be prepared to obtain appropriate licenses for vehicles and machinery, First Aid Certificates, and Chemical Handling certificates.
- Be proficient in the use of IT applications, including Word, Excel, Google Sheets, etc., and be prepared to learn and adopt selected agricultural data applications (such as Agri Webb & Safe Ag Systems)
An attractive remuneration package, including a work vehicle, utilities, firewood, meat rations, and a mobile phone reimbursement, will be negotiated with the successful candidate. A comfortable 3-bedroom family home with a renovated kitchen and bathroom is also available in this package.
Located 5 minutes from Dunkeld, on the doorstep of The Grampians, the area has an extensive range of all required amenities, including schools and supplies, a short drive away, and Melbourne is 3 hour's drive.
Want this job?
If this position interests you, please apply with your current resume and the names and details of at least three references who can be contacted. Preference will be given to those who supply a cover letter indicating their suitability for the role.
Additional information
- Large-scale family-owned operation with opportunities for career progression
- Senior wool-focused opportunity, expansive holding located in SW Victoria
- Impressive infrastructure, expanding operation, highly autonomous role.
