Senior Farm Hand

• Part time (21 hours per week, Tuesday to Thursday preferred) fixed term for 12 months at Camden Campus

• Opportunity to work in a leading university agricultural and livestock environment

• Base Salary HEO 3 $75,885 (pro-rated)+ 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and motivated Farm Hand to join the University's farm operations team. Working across livestock and agricultural activities, you will play a key role in supporting animal welfare, daily farm operations, maintenance activities and the safe operation of farm equipment and infrastructure.

Reporting to the Professor of Poultry Science (Professor Sonia Liu), you will contribute to the efficient operation of the farm by undertaking a broad range of livestock, maintenance and operational tasks while ensuring compliance with animal welfare, safety and University requirements. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on agricultural work, operating machinery, and working as part of a collaborative team.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• perform regular health and welfare checks on livestock and promptly report concerns to senior staff

• participate in daily livestock and farm operations, ensuring animals receive appropriate care and husbandry

• undertake routine farm duties and support specific farm operations as directed

• carry out general farm maintenance activities, including monitoring and maintaining irrigation systems

• operate and maintain farm machinery, vehicles and equipment in a safe and effective manner

• perform basic repairs and transportation tasks relating to farm assets and infrastructure

• assist with stakeholder communications and maintain accurate records and databases

• support data collection, record keeping and preparation of reports to ensure operational compliance

• undertake purchasing, accounts processing and general administrative activities as required

• contribute to a strong safety culture by participating in safety inspections and promoting safe work practices.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Senior Farm Hand who has:

• Certificate III in Agriculture, Rural Operations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and relevant experience

• demonstrated experience working in a farm, livestock or agricultural environment

• knowledge of best-practice animal health, welfare, disease identification and injury management

• experience operating farm machinery and agricultural equipment

• current ChemCert accreditation or equivalent chemical handling experience  

• Heavy Rigid (HR) Driver Licence or ability to obtain

• strong computer literacy and accurate record-keeping skills

• excellent organisational and time management skills with a high level of attention to detail

• ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and work collaboratively within a team

• willingness to participate in any required vaccination and screening programs in accordance with University policies and enterprise agreement requirements.

• relevant heavy machinery licences and tickets - desirable

Work Rights
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations on [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 08 September 2026 11:59 PM