"Assistant Farm Hand"

Your next career opportunity

Join the University of Melbourne's Dookie Campus as an Assistant Farm Hand, where you'll play a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the campus's livestock enterprises and assisting with broadacre cropping activities. This hands-on position offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills in livestock husbandry, crop management, and farm operations while contributing to the university's agricultural education and research initiatives.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Livestock Operations: Assist the Farm Hand and Farm Manager with basic day-to-day operations of the livestock enterprises, including feeding animals, managing sheep flocks (weighing, yarding, and shearing), and assisting with the robotic dairy operations and assist with spraying weeds, fence maintenance.
• Farm Maintenance: Assist the Farm Hand with routine maintenance and repairs, ensuring responsible use of farm machinery and equipment.
• Record Management: Assist the Farm Manager with accurate management of farm records.
• Animal Husbandry: Participate in key animal husbandry tasks, adhering to best practices in livestock management.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a practical and hands-on individual with a keen interest in agriculture, possessing a willingness to learn and contribute to farm operations while working collaboratively in a team environment.

You may also:

• Have experience in basic livestock husbandry tasks, such as feeding, weighing, and handling animals.
• Possess knowledge of farm machinery and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safe work practices and adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines.
• Exhibit strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Be physically fit and able to perform manual labour tasks as required.
• Possess a willingness to learn and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Be an effective team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Role type: Full time; Fixed Term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
Salary: UOM 2: $66,493 - $69,182 p.a. plus 17% super

• Gain hands-on experience in livestock and cropping while building essential agricultural skills.
• Apply now to join a dynamic farm team and contribute to agricultural education and research.
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) has a vision of flourishing environments and communities. It brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices.

The faculty of science is home to seven schools: Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics & Statistics; Physics; and Melbourne Veterinary School. Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria (found in the Position Description)

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Oliver Bukasa hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 4 December 2025 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-005805 - Assistant Farm Hand - PD.pdf

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