Position Title: Senior Agricultural Technician Location: Gundaline Station, NSW Reports to: Managing Director Employment Type: Full-time Position Ove..
Position Title: Senior Agricultural Technician
Location: Gundaline Station, NSW
Reports to: Managing Director
Employment Type: Full-time
Position Overview:
The Senior Agricultural Technician at Gundaline Station will play a key role in managing and optimizing cotton farming operations on a large-scale agricultural property. This role involves a hands-on approach to crop management, irrigation, and machinery maintenance while utilizing advanced agricultural techniques to ensure high-quality cotton production. The technician will work closely with the Station Manager to implement effective practices that maximize yield, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability. This role is ideal for an experienced technician with a strong background in cotton farming and precision agriculture.
This is a full time role set at $84,000 plus superannuation.
Key Responsibilities:
Cotton Crop Management:
Oversee the entire lifecycle of cotton production, from planting and cultivation to harvesting.
Monitor cotton crop health, growth, and development, ensuring optimal conditions for maximizing yield.
Identify and respond to threats such as pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, and implement appropriate treatments (e.g., integrated pest management).
Conduct regular field inspections to assess crop performance and recommend improvements to growing practices.
Irrigation and Water Management:
Manage and maintain advanced irrigation systems, including drip and furrow irrigation, ensuring the efficient use of water.
Monitor soil moisture and ensure that irrigation schedules are aligned with the specific needs of the cotton crop.
Ensure compliance with water usage regulations and sustainability practices specific to cotton farming in the region.
Equipment and Machinery:
Operate and maintain a range of farm machinery including cotton pickers, sprayers, and tractors.
Coordinate routine maintenance, repairs, and servicing of machinery to ensure minimal downtime during critical growing and harvest periods.
Assist in troubleshooting any technical or mechanical issues related to cotton farming equipment.
Precision Agriculture:
Utilize precision agriculture technologies (GPS, sensors, drones, etc.) to monitor cotton crop health, soil conditions, and water usage.
Collect and analyze data to make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvest timings.
Support the implementation of farm management software for efficient tracking of key performance metrics and reporting.
Team Leadership and Training:
Supervise and train junior agricultural staff, providing guidance on best practices for cotton farming, safety procedures, and the operation of specialized machinery.
Ensure that the team follows strict health and safety standards, especially during high-risk periods such as planting and harvesting.
Collaborate with the Station Manager to identify staffing needs and participate in recruitment and team development.
Compliance and Environmental Stewardship:
Ensure that farming operations are compliant with local and national regulations, especially concerning water usage, chemical application, and sustainability practices.
Maintain accurate records of chemical applications, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in cotton farming.
Promote and adhere to environmentally sustainable practices to enhance long-term productivity and reduce environmental impact.
Key Qualifications and Skills:
Education: Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field, with a focus on cotton farming preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in large-scale cotton farming operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior technician role.
In-depth knowledge of cotton crop cycles, including planting, fertilizing, pest control, and harvesting.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in operating cotton-specific machinery such as pickers, tractors, and sprayers.
Strong understanding of precision agriculture techniques, GPS-guided equipment, and irrigation systems.
Familiarity with farm management software and data-driven decision-making.
Leadership: Proven experience in leading and managing teams, training staff, and promoting a productive work environment.
Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, agronomic, and operational challenges in a cotton farming context.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise effectively with team members, management, and external stakeholders.
Personal Attributes:
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor junior staff.
Proactive approach to problem-solving, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic agricultural environment.
Strong attention to detail, particularly in the management of crop health and machinery maintenance.
