Macadamia Orchard Manager - Rookwood
Rural Funds Management Limited, Australia
Job Description
Permanent full-time position
Growing business with a friendly team
About the Company
RFM manages approximately $2.0 billion of agricultural assets on behalf of retail and institutional investors. RFM has a depth of experience accumulated over 25 years owning, developing and operating Australian farmland, agricultural infrastructure and other assets. Sector experience includes almonds, poultry, macadamias, cattle, cropping, viticulture and water. Assets are located throughout New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria.
RFM employs over 180 staff and seeks to maximise returns through its experienced management team including specialist fund managers, finance professionals, horticulturists, agronomists and other agricultural managers. RFM’s company culture is informed by a precision-based approach to asset management and its longstanding motto of Managing good assets with good people.
About the opportunity
We are looking for an Orchard Manager to manage our existing Rookwood macadamia orchard operations in Gogango, Queensland. We are seeking someone with a proven understanding of macadamia orchard requirements, a commitment to precision and safety, with strong leadership capabilities. Reporting to the Area Manager you will be responsible for:
- 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:
- Spraying
- Pruning, fertilising, slashing, and mulching
- Irrigation automation
- Harvesting
- Farm maintenance and drainage, including continuous improvement of GPS 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.
Requirements
The following criteria are essential to be successful in this position:
- Formal training in horticulture or demonstrated macadamia experience essential
- Certificate in Leadership preferred
- Experience managing teams including employees, labour hire and contractors
- 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
Benefits
On offer for the successful candidate is a competitive salary dependant on experience and qualifications. The successful candidate will also be eligible to participate in the company’s group salary continuance, group life insurance plan and annual bonus scheme.
To apply, forward a covering letter addressing the above criteria and resume by 9 January 2023 via our https://www.ruralfunds.com.au/careerswebsite. 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. A great place to work with good people, striving for precision and excellence in everything we do.