Leading Orchard Hand

The Leading Orchard Hand is responsible for the operation and maintenance of orchard equipment used to develop the walnut crop and the orchard in general. In addition, this role is responsible for supervising other orchard employees as they carry out their duties. Reporting to the Orchard Manager, the role is varied and requires someone who understands the wide-ranging and changing environment of a large-scale orchard. 

Duties include but not limited to 

• Operating tractors, trucks and other types of motorised equipment used in such activities as weed spraying, airblast spraying, mulching, sweeping, harvesting, etc.
• Carrying out the required daily maintenance procedures on equipment.
• Implementing orchard machinery work as directed by the Orchard Manager, such as: spray programs, harvesting, etc. 
• Selecting, adjusting and operating equipment to match the needs of each job.
• Instructing, training and assisting other employees assigned to operate equipment.
• Performing other work assignments with the orchard as required such as: general orchard maintenance & clean-up, irrigating, fertilising, pruning, supervising/training workers, work shop activities etc.

Essential Criteria, Skills and Experience 

• Valid driver’s licence 
• Basic understanding of horticulture production (spraying, harvesting, irrigation, fertiliser, pests, fungus etc.)
• Knowledge and skills in preventative maintenance and small repairs
• Capable of performing the necessary adjustments, initial set up and in field changes on all equipment being operated

Desirable 

• HR Licence

• Competitive hourly rate: $32+ per hour plus overtime and penalty rates. 
• Remote Area Housing salary packing benefit
• Enjoy an affordable, country lifestyle – our Avondale Orchard is located outside of Griffith.
• We invest in you  
  • To develop your skills and safety knowledge – we provide funding for safety courses, certifications, and professional development courses.
  • To support your family and meet your personal goals – with financial or in-kind assistance in times of need and through the Stahmann Webster Be Your Best program.
• Build a long-term career in agriculture  
  • Career development opportunities – 80% of our orchard leadership positions have been rewarded internally in our fast-growing business.
  • Exceptional job security – our size and scope and long-term investment horizon provide opportunities for rewarding, long-term careers.
• Make a difference 
  • Have your say – we encourage our people to provide regular feedback to our leaders and contribute to our regular engagement surveys.
  • Be a part of a bigger purpose – we give back to our local communities and promote the health of our global environment through a range of purpose-driven initiatives.
• And so much more!
  • The People’s Pantry – we provide a pantry of food items available to you whenever you need a little something to keep you going.
  • Feel supported at work – we understand that sometimes “life-happens” and so through our wellness program we work with our people to ensure they can access any support they may need both personally and professionally.
  • Enjoy a diverse and inclusive workplace – our people come from more than 20 cultural backgrounds, and we celebrate all of our communities, whether local or from around the country and around the world.
  • Opportunity to travel – your role may offer opportunity, if you wish, for you to travel between our sites and experience different parts of Australia and our business.

At Stahmann Webster, we pride ourselves on being farm-to-table producers of world class pecans, walnuts, macadamias, and almonds. With a history stretching back almost 200 years, we are one of Australia’s oldest companies and a pioneer of the tree nut industry in this country.

Our diverse team of dedicated people have been the driving force behind our success. As industry leaders, we take pride in our past and draw on a depth of experience, while continuing to develop our team and hone our techniques. Research, innovation, and technology aid and challenge us to find exciting and environmentally sustainable horticultural and production practices.

We are focused on attracting outstanding industry professionals to our business and to building strong relationships within the community to identify and nurture future talent. Our commitment to safety, to our people and to our community lies at the heart of our values.

Stahmann Webster runs farming and processing operations and administration offices in Queensland (Bundaberg, Brisbane and Toowoomba), VIC (Melbourne), NSW (Moree and the Riverina) and Tasmania (Swansea) and employs up to 300 people nationally with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds.

Values-based organisation

At Stahmann Webster our values lie at the heart of all of our decisions. 

• Growth mindset – We challenge ourselves and each other to never be standing still, we consistently strive to do things better.
• Empowered – We relish the opportunity to enrich and enlarge our roles, gripping autonomy and freedoms that matter. 
• Resilient – We approach all challenges with positivity and determination, viewing every setback as temporary and surmountable.
• Connected – We are united around a shared purpose and never hesitate to support people in other parts of the business to be successful.
• Humble – We are dedicated to serving each other and always put the team first. 

Relocating for this role? Talk to us about how we may be able to assist you. 

If you would like to play a key role in the journey at Stahmann Webster, please submit your application via SEEK.

Any queries regarding the role, please reach out to us at **@stahmannwebster.com.au.