About the opportunity

We are looking for an Orchard Manager to manage a section of our recently planted macadamia orchards in Maryborough, Queensland. We are seeking someone with a proven understanding of macadamia orchard requirements, a commitment to precision and safety, with strong leadership capabilities.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Operations Manager you will be responsible to:

• Maximise yields through systematic planning, operational efficiency, optimising crop performance, completion of tasks and removal of constraints in conjunction with other roles.
• Assist with the development and monthly review of operational budgets and capital expenditure optimising expenditure where possible and meeting forecasts.
• Oversee farm maintenance and operational activities including but not limited to:

1. Spraying
2. Pruning, fertilising, slashing, and mulching
3. Irrigation
4. Harvesting
5. Farm maintenance and drainage, including continuous improvement of systems.

• Lead and develop workers, managing disciplinary and non-compliance issues as required.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating precise and safe work behaviours and reinforcing policies and procedures.
• Identify training needs of workers.
• Participate in nutrition and irrigation management planning.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of farming systems, safety and environmental processes.
• Manage disciplinary and non-compliance as required.
• Ensure records/forms are maintained for development and operational inputs, maintenance, chemical spraying, fertilising, irrigating, payroll and cost allocation timesheets and safety.

The following criteria are essential to be successful in this position:

• Formal training in horticulture or demonstrated tree crop experience essential.
• Formal training in leadership preferred.
• Experience with MS Office suite, particularly Excel for managing budgets essential.
• Experience managing teams including employees, labour hire and contractors essential.
• Advanced experience and knowledge of land improvement techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Safety training will be highly regarded.
• Macadamia experience highly regarded.

• A competitive salary dependant on experience and qualifications
• Mobile phone, laptop and work vehicle
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Salary continuance insurance, life insurance, and annual discretionary bonus (subject to eligibility criteria)

How to apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a covering letter addressing the requirements mentioned above and your resume by 13 April 2024 via our website. Candidates may be evaluated prior to the closing date for this position.

At RFM we value inclusion and encourage applicants from different backgrounds to apply.

About Rural Funds Management

Rural Funds Management (RFM) is an industry leader managing approximately $2.3 billion in agricultural assets on behalf of retail and institutional investors, including the ASX-listed Rural Funds Group (RFF). We have over 27 years' experience owning, developing, and operating farms in most Australian states. 

At RFM, our culture is built on the core principle of 'Managing good assets with good people.' We believe in being precise, offering variety, rewarding effort, and providing a friendly workplace. 

Joining RFM means becoming part of a dedicated team of over 240 professionals, including fund managers, finance experts, horticulturists, agronomists, and farm managers. Whether you are seeking a corporate or operational role, RFM has a place for individuals who are passionate about agriculture and finance.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Liaising with DVA customer to plan and implement agreed services
• Scheduling of appointments and aligning correct consultant with appointment
• Maintaining busy inboxes, with queries, appointments and non-appointment services
• Providing administrative and operational support to consultant practitioners
• Providing information and advice to customers, or prospective customers
• Undertaking other tasks assigned to the Client Services team, including reception duties, dictation, invoicing and supporting the greater team in general.

About the opportunity:

Are you an experienced irrigation technician seeking your next opportunity? Rural Funds Management has a full-time opportunity for an experienced irrigation operator to join our irrigation team as a Technician / Leading Hand. As the leading hand, you will work alongside and supervise other team members and enjoy working outdoors, in a friendly and safety conscious team.  

Situated in the Fitzroy Region, near Gogango, Rural Funds Management is operating multiple macadamia orchards in various stages of development. There are presently approx. 600 hectares of macadamias planted with a further 1900 hectares of development planned. Water for the developments comes from multiple pump sites on the Fitzroy River above and below the newly completed Rookwood weir. This water is stored in multiple on orchard storages and then pressurised and supplied to the trees via micro sprinkler installations.

Employees can also enjoy complimentary company bus service from designated pick-up locations between Rockhampton and the farm.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Irrigation Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Liaising with the Irrigation Manager to implement irrigation programs to maximise growth, yield and tree/crop quality
• Delivering water requirements to all trees
• Maintaining irrigation infrastructure including pumps, filtration systems, motors, automation and delivery systems
• Monitoring water usage via monitoring systems and visual observations
• Maintaining records/forms for water delivery, irrigation maintenance, payroll and cost allocation timesheets and safety
• Contributing to the development and improvement of irrigation systems and safety processes
• Supervising small teams, including employees, contractors and labour hire personnel
• Contributing to a positive and productive working environment

• A positive, can-do attitude is essential
• You will be flexible, reliable, and available to work hours which may vary to meet operational demands (with potential for Saturday work and paid overtime)
• You will hold at a minimum a C class drivers’ licence (essential)
• You will have experience working on a farming operation with irrigation and tree crop experience
• Experience with automated filtration systems and pumps
• Experience in automation software and hardware
• You will have experience managing small teams of employees, contractors and labour hire personnel
• You will be willing to undertake training at our cost to obtain relevant qualifications

• An above award base rate plus overtime and penalty rates
• Optional transport available to/from work on a company bus service from designated pick-up locations between Rockhampton and the farms (subject to availability of seats)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Salary continuance insurance, life insurance, and annual discretionary bonus (subject to eligibility criteria)

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a covering letter addressing the requirements mentioned above and your resume via our website.

At RFM we value inclusion and encourage applicants from different backgrounds to apply.

About Rural Funds Management

Rural Funds Management (RFM) is an industry leader managing approximately $2.0 billion in agricultural assets on behalf of retail and institutional investors, including the ASX-listed Rural Funds Group (RFF). We have over 26 years' experience owning, developing, and operating farms in most Australian states. 

At RFM, our culture is built on the core principle of 'Managing good assets with good people.' We believe in being precise, offering variety, rewarding effort, and providing a friendly workplace. 

Joining RFM means becoming part of a dedicated team of over 240 professionals, including fund managers, finance experts, horticulturists, agronomists, and farm managers. Whether you are seeking a corporate or operational role, RFM has a place for individuals who are passionate about agriculture and finance.