Automation & Reliability Technician

Proudly owned by Australian Farmers

McLean Farms is a leading family-owned agri-business based in the Darling Downs. With operations across poultry, feed milling, grain, and compost production, we take pride in producing high-quality food while upholding strong values of care, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Our Values

At McLean Farms, we're proud of our team and the work we do. Our values help guide how we work together:

• We Care – We nurture our people, animals, environment, workplace, and community.
• We Are One Team – We work together towards a common goal in a respectful and effective manner.
• We Aim for Excellence – We strive to improve continuously.
• We Find a Way – We work together to find solutions to every challenge.
• We Do the Right Thing – We make decisions and choose behaviours based on what is right and what is wrong.

About the role

The Automation & Reliability Technician plays a key role in maintaining and optimising the performance of automated systems across our poultry operations. This hands-on position ensures reliable operation of critical systems including feed delivery, egg collection, manure belts, ventilation, water supply, and environmental controls.

Key Responsibilities will include, but not limited too:

• Operate, maintain, and repair automation and control systems including feeders, conveyors, sensors, lighting, and climate control.
• Conduct routine inspections and checks on PLCs, drives, and control panels.
• Assist with the installation, upgrades, and commissioning of new automation equipment.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to reduce downtime and support reliable operation.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimise production impact.
• Conduct condition monitoring such as thermal imaging, vibration analysis, and electrical testing.
• Identify and report recurring faults and recommend reliability improvements.
• Support farm management to achieve production and animal welfare targets through efficient equipment operation.
• Recommend and implement improvements to increase system efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Assist in training farm and maintenance staff on safe and effective use of automation systems.

Skills and Experience required:

• Trade or technical qualification in Electrical, Mechatronics, or a related field (desirable).
• Experience working with PLCs, drives, sensors, or automated systems in an industrial or agricultural environment.
• Strong diagnostic, fault-finding, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform hands-on maintenance and repairs on mechanical and electrical systems.
• Sound understanding of preventive maintenance and reliability practices.
• Commitment to safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with a proactive, solution focused attitude.

What You'll Get in Return

• The opportunity to learn and grow with an experienced team supporting you
• A varied role with plenty of practical, outdoor work
• A friendly and supportive workplace culture
• The opportunity to be part of a growing, sustainable business
• Team perk: two dozen free eggs every fortnight from McLean Farms

If this sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and take the next step in your career with McLean Farms.

To learn more about McLean Farms and what we do, please visit our website:

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

You must not have any birds, pigs or poultry at home, and you must not regularly come into contact with birds, pigs or poultry in order to work at McLean Farms.

Please ensure that you have read the Bio-Security Document on the right-hand side.

To proceed with employment shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a Pre-employment functional assessment and Drug and Alcohol testing