Senior Farmhand

The opportunity

As our Senior Farmhand your duties include:

• Provide support for research projects through the accurate operations, adjustment and calibration of plant and equipment including fertiliser and chemical equipment, tillage equipment and specialist research equipment.
• Undertake agricultural agronomic activities including land preparation, irrigation installation and operation, planting, harvesting, chemical application, care and maintenance of field horticultural crops and tree crops.
• Undertake property maintenance activities including light fabrication, construction and maintenance of fences, irrigation supply systems and other farm infrastructure.
• Undertake property maintenance activities including gardening management and maintenance and office facility maintenance and repairs.
• Work independently and with other staff, following instructions from the farm supervisor and/or research facility manager to successfully complete tasks to support research projects.
• Provide technical and operational support to the maintenance program for heavy plant, vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, and land assets to ensure these are research ready, functional, safe and reliable.
• Demonstrate initiative and responsibility by completing allocated tasks and activities accurately and to a high standard.
• Establish and enhance relationships to foster good working relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Work in a safe manner following Work Health and Safety legislation and the Department's Code of Conduct.
• Contribute to the scientific integrity of RD&E projects and activities by rigid adherence to scientific protocols and quality assurance principles.
• Utilise standardised administrative programs, packages and systems to assist with site operations and reporting (e.g. Ag Commander, Chemwatch).
• Actively participate in the day-to-day operations of the site focusing on the delivery of trial support and key responsibilities in asset and resource maintenance to deliver high quality service to clients.
• Actively participate as a member of a team.

What we are looking for

We are seeking the best suited candidate for the role. We will achieve this by:

• assessing your eligibility and suitability to fulfill the role requirements (including, where relevant, the way you carried out previous roles) via resume, interview, referee checks and practical assessment.
• evaluating your potential contributions to the department and how your involvement would uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion

The following are desirable and would be required within 12 months of employment (support will be provided).

• Chemical accreditation (Chemcert) or the ability and willingness to acquire

Additional Information

• This role requires extensive experience in Banana farming operations including disease and pest management.
• The role undertakes physical tasks in line with work health and safety legislation and operating procedures:
• Manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, reaching, kneeling and squatting.
• Lifting up to 15 kg safely
• Walking across flat, steep, sloping or uneven terrain
• Working with a range of chemicals
• Working in various outdoor temperatures and climatic conditions
• Are you physically able to undertake the above physical tasks and comply with health and safety legislation and operating procedures?

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/663832/25

Closing Date: Friday, 24 October 2025