ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER - EXPAT ROLE IN AUSTRALIA

Tasks Involved:

•  Develop and implement strategic plans for the farm, setting goals and objectives aligned with the farm''s mission and vision. Evaluate market trends, Financial performance, and resource availability to identify opportunities for growth and diversification.
•  Oversee day-to-day farm operations, including crop cultivation, livestock management, equipment maintenance, and infrastructure development. Coordinate activities across departments to ensure seamless integration and optimal efficiency.
•  Manage the farm''s budget, forecasting revenue and expenses, and optimizing resource allocation to maximize profitability. Monitor Financial performance and implement cost-saving measures while maintaining high standards of quality and productivity.

• Optimize the use of land, water, and other natural resources to minimize waste and environmental impact. Implement sustainable farming practices to promote soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.
•  Identify and mitigate risks that may affect farm operations, including weather-related risks, pest and disease outbreaks, and market Fluctuations. Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
•  Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing agricultural operations, including food safety, environmental protection, and labour practices. Maintain accurate records and documentation to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.
•  Provide leadership and direction to farm staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, empowering team members to achieve their full potential.
•  Represent the farm in the local community and build positive relationships with stakeholders, including neighbours, customers, and regulatory agencies. Participate in outreach activities and educational programs to promote agriculture and environmental stewardship.

 Work Conditions:

•  Expect to spend a significant amount of time working outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. This may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, sun exposure, wind, rain, and other environmental factors.
•  Physical labour, including lifting, bending, kneeling, and operating heavy machinery and equipment. Physical Fitness and stamina are important for performing tasks.
•  Workload and tasks varying throughout the year based on factors such as planting and harvesting seasons, weather conditions, and the lifecycle of crops and livestock.
• Farm work often requires long hours, particularly during busy seasons when there are pressing deadlines for planting, harvesting, or animal care. Be prepared to work extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure the smooth functioning of farm operations.
•  Farm work can pose safety risks, including exposure to machinery hazards, chemical exposure, and livestock-related injuries. Adhering to safety protocols, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and prioritizing safety in all aspects of farm operations is expected.

 Personal Requirements:

•  An inherent passion for agriculture, with a genuine interest in working with crops, livestock and the land.
•  Strong Work Ethic and be willing to work in challenging conditions over extended periods to ensure smooth operation of the farm.
• Adaptability to changing circumstances, weather conditions and priorities. You should be Flexible and resourceful in responding to challenges and opportunities.
• Problem-solving skills to address issues that arise in farm operations, whether related to crop and animal health, equipment malfunctions, or logistical challenges.
• Attention to detail is crucial to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
•  Effective communication skills to interact with farm owners, managers, staff, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Must be a team player capable of collaborating with other farm workers and contribute positively to a cooperative work environment.
• Strong time management skills to prioritize tasks, allocate resources efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Resilience to adapt to the unpredictable nature of farming.

 Competencies:

•  Minimum of 5-years operational experience.
•  Ability to lead and supervise farm workers effectively, providing guidance, instruction, and support to ensure the completion of tasks and achievement of production targets.
•  Strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, analyse root causes, and develop effective solutions to address operational challenges and optimize farm performance. The ability to think critically and make informed decisions is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills to plan, prioritize, and coordinate farm activities efficiently, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively, and tasks are completed on schedule. Experience with farm planning and scheduling is beneficial.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to liaise with farm workers, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders. The ability to convey information clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others is essential.
• Proficiency in operating farm equipment and machinery, as well as familiarity with agricultural technologies and systems. Experience with farm management software, GPS technology, and precision agriculture tools is advantageous.
•  Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment on the farm, with a strong understanding of health and safety regulations and best practices. Experience in implementing safety protocols and conducting risk assessments is important.
•  Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in farm operations, including record-keeping, crop monitoring, and product quality control. The ability to identify potential issues and address them proactively is critical.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, weather conditions, and operational requirements on the farm. Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Genuine passion for agriculture and a commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. Demonstrated interest in staying current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices.

 Qualifications and Licenses Required:

•  Full Driver’s license.
•  Tertiary qualification in Agricultural strongly desired
• Extensive experience in farm management, with a proven track record of success in agricultural operations.
• In-depth knowledge of agronomy, animal husbandry, business management, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate team members.
• Strategic thinking abilities and the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure.

 Workplace Health and Safety:

•  Follow Workplace Health and Safety policies, procedures, and workplace instructions.
•  Co-operate respect to any action taken by Farm to comply with any requirement to provide a workplace that is safe and without risk to health.
• Correctly wear and maintain items of Personal Protective Clothing or Equipment (PPE) that are provided.
• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and the health and safety of anyone else that may be affected by your actions or omissions whilst at work.
• Report incidents within the workplace to the Farm Manager without delay.

 Additional Information:

•  Standard Hours Per Fortnight: 90 Hours.
•  Overtime period for seeding:  1st April – 30th June.
•  Overtime period for harvest:  1st October – 31st December.
•  Award Applicable:                               Pastoral Award 2020.