Senior Farm Hand (Agricultural Plant Operator)

We are a family-operated 4300ha broadacre cropping business near Nyabing in the Great Southern. Sun Valley Ag produce barley, canola, wheat, field peas and lupins with a husband and wife team, supplemented by seasonal casual staff. We operate a controlled traffic, no-till farm with modern machinery. 

We actively investigate and invest in new technology and opportunities to expand. We treat our staff like family and enjoy working with motivated staff who share our values. 

Nyabing is located 320km south-east of Perth and is a small welcoming community with an excellent primary school and good facilities including a modern community-owned Hub housing the tavern, and a general store.

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Farm Hand for a full-time role, offering the opportunity for progression within the business.  The successful candidate must have a strong history of broadacre farming experience.  Applicants that grew up on a cropping farm will be favourably considered.

Reporting to the farm owner, the successful applicant will be responsible for the daily farm operations.  The role will be predominantly machinery operation complemented by a large variety of general farm duties.

• To operate and maintain a wide variety of AGRICULTURAL PLANT and machinery to cultivate land, sow, manage and harvest a range of broadacre crops
• To undertake other general farm duties associated with a large broadacre cropping operation
• To supervise and manage seasonal staff in both the workshop and paddock operations

Plant and Machinery Operation for Cropping Enterprise

• Operate key AGRICULTURAL PLANT and machinery to complete cropping operations including seeding, spraying and harvest
• Operate self-propelled sprayer, including safely handling, mixing and applying agricultural chemicals
• Operate other large towed agricultural implements as required, including spreader, chaser, discs, deep ripper, stubble cruncher and tram renovator
• Use Greenstar GPS and autosteer in a controlled traffic farming system

General Responsibilities

• Operate general farm machinery and equipment including loader, telehandler, farm trucks, augers, field bins, UTV and motorbikes
• Perform pre-season repairs and routine scheduled maintenance of farm plant and machinery
• Assist with troubleshooting and repairs of machinery breakdowns during seasonal operations 
• Assist with repair and maintenance of farm buildings, fencing, water infrastructure and farm equipment 
• Assist with supervision of seasonal casual staff and oversee operations in the absence of owner
• Participate in safety training, promote a culture of safety and enforce safety protocols

• Extensive broadacre cropping experience, preferably with previous sprayer experience
• A relevant qualification in the field would be seen favourably
• Familiarity with a wide range of agricultural machinery and equipment
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to service, maintain, troubleshoot and carry out minor repairs
• Proficiency with computers in a controlled-traffic broadacre farm system, including John Deere Greenstar GPS and autosteer 
• A valid manual driver’s licence is essential - HR, HC or MC preferred
• ChemCERT/Auschem Accreditation or practical experience with safe use of agricultural chemicals
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work flexibly to meet seasonal demands
• Ability to work both in a team and with limited social contact
• Commitment to safe work practices
• May be required to have a pre-employment medical or drug and alcohol test

This is a full-time, permanent position and is not suitable for working holiday makers,  however, we do encourage expressions of interest for casual seasonal positions from experienced WHV candidates.

• A competitive remuneration package ($85,000-$105,000 per annum) with individual flexibility agreement
• A choice of 4x1 house located on-farm
• A work vehicle
• Training opportunities
• Career advancement into management role for the right candidate

Further information and full position description are available by contacting ***************@gmail.com.  We welcome your application with a current CV and at least two references via the “APPLY” button or email.