Mobile Plant Operator

We're on the hunt for a Mobile Plant Operator to join the Harvest team in our growing horticultural company.
Kalfresh is an innovative, fast-growing Queensland horticultural company, focused on farming, processing and marketing fresh conventional and certified organic vegetables across Australia and select export markets. We're a diverse, skilled team united by our passion for fresh, healthy nutrient-rich produce. We are creating a better farming future for our people, community, consumer and the environment. Our head office is situated in Kalbar, just 1 hour's drive from Brisbane in the beautiful Scenic Rim, with remote operations in Bowen, North Queensland.
The Opportunity
Reporting to our Supply & Harvesting Manager, our new harvest team member will be responsible for the harvesting and/or transporting of crops in a timely manner, within the timeline instructed by the Harvest Operations Manager. The Harvest Team member is also responsible for general machine maintenance and monitoring of plant and equipment. Given the nature of the industry, they are required to work in a flexible, ever-changing, fast paced environment, with an understanding that timelines are often impacted by weather, market and other external factors and have the potential to change daily. Other key responsibilities include:
- Responsibility for driving and operating various types of harvesting machinery.
- Operate machinery with a high level of safety, proficiency and competency.
- Harvest product and/or transport product from farm to shed.
- Host precision harvesting to secure optimal produce from the paddock.
- Ability to assess, report and address issues or abnormalities in the field to ensure efficiency and quality.
- Knowledge in understand key harvesting settings and ability to apply edits for specific crop requirements including soil type, crop size, yield, weed and environmental factors.
- Maintain and respect machines including end of day clean down procedure.
- Inspect machines for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance including oil changes, greasing, refuelling, cleaning, belt changes and basic mechanical upgrades.
- Precision loading of produce using appropriate technique to ensure crops are properly compacted and protected during transportation.
- Assisting with the unloading process which can be completed by the harvester and in some cases, you could be required to manually removing crops to ensure that they are handled with care to prevent damage.
- Maintain record keeping for machine maintenance and ensure the machine is equipped with safety equipment.
- Host clear and precise communication with harvest team, packing and other staff members.
- Report and document quality, quantity and other relevant information if requested.
- Ability to document progress logs, plan routes and meet delivery schedules.
- Comply with truck driving rules and regulations in alignment with company policies.
- Manoeuvre trucks into loading or unloading positions.
- Transport equipment from farm to farm.
- Assist harvest team to reach optimal KPI targets.
- Hold an open mind to learning and advancing your skills in the harvesting sector including ability to operate a broad range of harvesting machinery (Corn, Beans, Carrots, Onions etc)
About you
This role would suit those who are passionate about fresh produce, continuous improvement, and being a part of a diverse team environment who are energised about what we do and where we are heading. To be successful in this role, you will have:
- 4+ years harvest experience operating and maintaining Oxbo and Pixall Sweet Corn and Green Bean harvesters.
- Previous hands on experience with electronic equipment and software (GPS, CB etc).
- Proven work experience as a truck driver.
- Valid truck licence (HR)
- Extensive knowledge of applicable truck driving rules and regulations.
- Ability to drive long hours and travel regularly.
- Adaptability and foresight to handle unexpected situations (weather conditions etc).
- Good time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to demonstrate high level of safety awareness.
- Reliable and committed to work up to 7 days per week if required.
- Ability to follow instructions, work independently and within a team.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Availability to work remote in North Queensland if required.
- Strong work ethic.
This Full-Time permanent position is based between our South-East Queensland farming sites inclusive of the following regions Scenic Rim, Southern Downs and Lockyer Valley so would ideally suit someone who lives locally or willing to travel between these beautiful regions. Beyond this, you could be based in our North Queensland farms based in Bowen & Ayr. Will be expected to work in Bowen for the duration of the Bowen season (generally June - November)
Salary Range for this position will be $70,000 - $85,000 and will be based on experience.
Interested? Apply now!
If you have a vision of becoming a major contributor to the growth of a leading Australian Horticultural company, we look forward to hearing from you.
Please submit a current resume and cover letter clearly outlining which job that you are applying for and demonstrating suitability.