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Machinery Operator / Farm Hand
Full time
Broadacre Cropping & Livestock
Accommodation Provided
A well established family farming operation in WA's Midwest is on the lookout for an experienced Machinery Operator / Farm Hand to join their small, close knit team. You'll be at the wheel of a modern machinery fleet across seeding, spraying and harvest, with spray operations a real focus of the role, while also lending a hand with the Angus cattle herd. If you've got sound broadacre cropping experience, hold your chemical accreditation, and want a role with genuine variety, good gear and a comfortable home thrown in, this one's worth a look.
🌾 About the Operation
This 10,000 hectare family farming operation runs properties at Yarragadee (Mingenew) and Canna in WA's Midwest region, with an 8,000 hectare cereal dominant cropping program of wheat, barley, canola, field peas and vetch, alongside a 450-head Angus cattle breeding enterprise (with new cattle yards currently under construction). The farm runs a well maintained machinery fleet including JD 9520R and JD 9R 440 tractors, JD R4045 and R4060 self propelled sprayers, two JD S780 headers, a 60ft DBS seeding bar with JD 1910 air cart, plus spreaders, chaser bins and augers. The operation makes use of John Deere Operations Centre and Gallagher Animal Management technology, and both farming families live on-farm and play an active role in the business and local community.
🔧 About the Role
The primary focus of this role is the safe, accurate and efficient operation of broadacre machinery, with a particular emphasis on spray operations throughout the season. Reporting to the farm managers, you'll get involved across the full farming calendar including:
- Operating tractors, seeding bar, SP sprayer, spreader, deep ripper, cultivation equipment, rock roller, augers, chaser bin and combine harvester
- Spray preparation, calibration, mixing/loading, field application, clean down and accurate record keeping
- Using John Deere Operations Centre and maintaining spray, paddock, fuel and maintenance records
- Machinery pre-start checks, routine servicing, minor repairs and prompt fault reporting
- General workshop duties and farm infrastructure maintenance, including fencing and stock water repairs
- Assisting with cattle work including mustering and yard duties, using low-stress stock handling practices
- General farm duties including fuelling, deliveries and grain handling support
✅ What You'll Need
- Sound broadacre cropping experience with demonstrated competence in machinery operation and spray operations
- Current AQF3 Chemical Accreditation or the Agricultural Chemical Skill Set (AHCSS00074)
- Ability to safely and accurately prepare, calibrate and operate broadacre spray equipment, with a sound understanding of chemical handling, PPE and record keeping
- Current and valid Australian driver's licence (minimum Class C)
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently and solve day-to-day operational problems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Desirable: HR or MC licence, forklift ticket, experience with John Deere Operations Centre or similar GPS/precision ag systems, mechanical aptitude for routine servicing and minor repairs, and cattle/livestock handling experience.
🎁 What's on Offer
- Competitive package of $85,000 - $120,000 dependent on experience
- Superannuation paid on eligible ordinary time earnings
- Comfortable two bedroom home in Mingenew town, provided at $0 rent
- Work vehicle provided for work purposes
- Overtime paid or taken as time in lieu during peak periods
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Relocation allowance may be negotiated for candidates moving a significant distance
Full-time hours are generally Monday to Friday (76 hours per fortnight), with flexibility to work weekends and additional hours (up to 30 per week) during peak periods such as seeding (April-May), spraying windows and harvest (mid-October to mid-December). A three-month probation period applies.
🏠 Accommodation
A comfortable two bedroom, one bathroom home in Mingenew town is provided for the duration of employment, furnished or unfurnished, at $0 rent (bond and rental agreement apply). The home is well suited to a couple or small family, with reverse-cycle air conditioning, an enclosed yard and a separate laundry, set in a quiet part of town. Pets are allowed by negotiation.
📍 Location
Mingenew is a vibrant farming community of around 400 residents in WA's Midwest, and home to the largest inland grain receival point in the southern hemisphere. The town has a small number of shops, a post office, Community Resource Centre, primary school, long daycare centre, a well known local bakery, a WACH health centre, and a range of sporting and community clubs. It's 55km to Dongara, 105km to Geraldton and 380km to Perth.
🙌 What We're Looking For
- Practical mechanical aptitude and a hands-on approach
- Ability to follow directions, work safely and operate independently
- Sound judgement and strong attention to detail
- Pride in the quality and timeliness of your work
- A collegiate team player who loves the outdoors
- Willingness to work overtime during peak seasonal periods
📋 How to Apply
Please include the following with your application:
- Current CV
- Contact details of 2 employment referees
- Confirmation that you hold a valid driver's licence
- Evidence of current AQF3 Chemical Accreditation or the Agricultural Chemical Skill Set (AHCSS00074)
- Your proposed start date if successful (September/October 2026 preferred)
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