Leading Hand

Macadamia Leading Farm Hand

Maryborough, Queensland
Permanent / Full-time Position

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Leading Farm Hand to join our Maryborough Macadamia Operations team. This is an opportunity to step into a practical leadership role where you will help coordinate daily orchard activities, guide Farm Hands and contribute directly to safe, productive and high-quality operations.

Working closely with the Orchard Manager, you will lead by example across a broad range of established orchard activities, including pruning, fertilising, harvesting, irrigation, orchard maintenance and machinery operation. You will also support accurate record keeping and contribute to the continuous improvement of operational and safety processes.

This role will suit a reliable and organised agricultural professional who enjoys working outdoors, supervising day-to-day work and taking ownership of operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Orchard Manager, you will:

• Supervise and coordinate small teams of employees, contractors and labour hire personnel
• Plan and support daily orchard activities in line with operational priorities
• Undertake and oversee pruning, fertilising, harvesting, irrigation, orchard maintenance and machinery operations
• Promote a strong safety culture by modelling safe work practices and ensuring procedures are followed
• Monitor work quality, identify issues and communicate progress to the Orchard Manager
• Identify training needs and provide practical guidance and on-the-job support to team members
• Contribute to improvements in farming systems, operational processes, and environmental and safety outcomes
• Maintain accurate records for operational inputs, maintenance, chemical applications, fertiliser programs, irrigation, safety, payroll and cost allocation
• Help create a positive, respectful and productive working environment

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will require:

• Extensive practical experience in farming, horticulture or orchard operations
• Experience supervising or coordinating small operational teams
• Proven machinery operating experience and sound mechanical knowledge
• Good communication, organisation and record-keeping skills
• A strong commitment to workplace safety and following operational procedures
• A valid C Class Driver's Licence
• A current Chemical Certificate
• Flexibility and reliability, including availability to work varied hours to meet operational demands

The following will be highly regarded:

• Loader and chainsaw operation tickets
• Formal leadership training
• Safety-related training and qualifications
• HR Class Driver's Licence
• Forklift Licence
• First Aid Certificate

Benefits

• Above Award wage
• Permanent full-time employment within a growing agricultural business
• A varied, hands-on role supporting established macadamia orchard operations
• Salary continuance insurance and life insurance, subject to eligibility criteria
• Annual discretionary bonus, subject to eligibility criteria
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply

Submit your application, including a cover letter addressing the requirements of the role and your resume, via our website. Applications will be assessed as they are received.

Appointment to the role is subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, which may include medical screening, reference checks and right to work verification.

About Rural Funds Management

Rural Funds Management (RFM) is an industry leader managing approximately $2.5 billion in agricultural assets on behalf of retail and institutional investors, including the ASX-listed Rural Funds Group (RFF). We have over 29 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 270 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.