Senior Farm Hand

• Operate and monitor farm machinery in line with safe work policies and procedures
• Ensure livestock welfare plans are implemented appropriately
• Full time, Ongoing role based at the Elliot Research Station (Burnie)

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

About the opportunity

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture Dairy Research Facility (TDRF) is a 220-hectare farm running a herd of approximately 350 milking cows. The facilities include a state-of-the-art 50 bail rotary dairy with individual cow milk monitoring, walk over weigh scales, body condition score unit and other advanced technologies to support TIA’s research programs. The TDRF hosts research, development and extension activities provided through the TIA Livestock Production Centre’s Research Development and Extension (RD&E) programs.

The Senior Farm Hand will support the day-to-day operation of the TDRF including milk harvesting operations, feeding stock, attending to calving and animal health issues and provide guidance and training to team members on these operations. The position will also operate a range of farm machinery including broadacre spraying and apply reproduction practices as set out by a vet program. The Senior Farm Hand will operate in line with industry best practice and regularly engage with researchers, technical staff, farmers and visitors to the TDRF to support operations

What you’ll do:

• Operate and troubleshoot milking plant and equipment, monitor and ensure cleanliness of milk plant, and ensure team members are operating plant and equipment safely and effectively.
• Operate and monitor all farm machinery that includes haymaking and GPS for spreading and spraying, assess risks and undertake preventative plant and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure the safe preparation, application (through broadacre and spot spraying) and storage of agrichemicals and fertiliser.
• Apply reproduction practices as set out by a vet program including identifying reproduction readiness, performing hormone injections and preparing for artificial insemination.
• Ensure livestock treatment plans are implemented appropriately and ensure animal welfare is appropriately managed through completion of health checks.

­What we’re looking for:

• Experience working on a farm with dairy production.
• Relevant Certificate in Dairy Production or similar field.
• Advanced knowledge of principles of a pasture based dairy farming operation.
• Experience operating farm machinery and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills and record keeping skills.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Farm and Livestock Hand Level (FLH5) and will have a total remuneration package of up to $84,397 comprising base salary within the range of $65,113 to $72,134 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact Andrew Marshall, Dairy Research Farm Manager on AA.Marshall@utas.edu.au or 0362260080.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 504039 - Senior Farm Hand.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 6 September 2026, 11.55pm

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.