Senior Manager - Farm Operations & Education

Optimise commercial utilization of farm assets and support farm based education and research activities.

The Environment The University of New England (UNE) is a regionally based, globally networked university that is renowned for the quality of its student experience and research excellence. The UNE decadal strategic plan 2021-2030, Future Fit, has been developed to guide the University to deliver on its enduring vision to support the aspirations of individuals in communities, and communities within regions, in a digital age.
The UNE Armidale SMART Farms, (7 properties covering 2,900ha) are an essential service provider of research and educational facilities that enable researchers, industry and community partners to conduct world class activities to solve real world problems. Activities and operations encompass Sustainable, Manageable, Accessible, Rural Technologies (SMART) and support a broad range of disciplines. As such the Farms provide an ideal place to educate students and the community about modern technologies that aim to revolutionize agricultural systems.
The Role Reporting to the Director SMART Farms and Centre for Animal Research and Teaching, a challenging full-time role has been created, Senior Manager - Farms Operations & Education.
You will be responsible for both:

1. Leveraging the full commercial potential of the Farms as livestock enterprises
2. Facilitating world class on-farm research and teaching outcomes and supporting industry and community engagement

This includes:

• Develop & implement farm operational plans
• Lead, mentor, and manage two (2) farm staff, driving a continuous improvement culture
• Support delivery of farm management skills-based education to internal and external stakeholders
• Cultivate relationships to provide timely project support to academics, researchers and industry partners, through effective utilization of farm assets
• Support management in creation and oversight of financial and production budgets

The Person To be successful in this senior operations and education role you will have:

• High level communication and leadership skills
• Commercial farm management expertise across sheep and cattle husbandry and welfare, pasture and grazing, land and natural resources and agricultural infrastructure
• Experience managing operational budgets and conducting WHS risk assessments
• Experience in delivery of face-to-face training, presentation skills, or public speaking is highly regarded
• Experience in the application and demonstration of rural technology highly regarded
• Ability to perform physically demanding activities as required

You will have a willingness to work outside business hours, including weekends to meet the specific needs of the SMART Farms. A drivers license and possession of a first aid certificate (or willingness to obtain) is required.
This is a unique hands-on role to utilize both your commercial farm management skills PLUS your communication and relationship management skills in a research and education environment, to showcase the UNE SMART Farms to industry and the community. Having one of the strongest economies in regional NSW, Armidale is known for its research and education hub and is one of the top agricultural producing regions in Australia.
The remuneration package includes base salary, generous super, accommodation, and farm vehicle. For a discussion and copy of the position description you are encouraged to call Al Kellaway on 1300 380 701 or apply with a cover letter and your resume via www.rimfireresources.com.au.