Machinery Operator

This is a well-established, large-scale irrigated horticulture enterprise based at Parilla in the SA Mallee, with additional operations across Robe, Mount Gambier and Virginia. The business runs a continuous year-round production program across potatoes, carrots and onions — supplying major Australian retailers and food manufacturers — across around 15,000 hectares of cropping land. The machinery fleet is extensive and modern: John Deere and Fendt tractors, chaser bins, self-propelled Dewulf, Grimme, Spudnik and Asa-Lift vegetable harvesters, trucks and trailers, and centre pivot irrigation systems with GPS and precision ag technology throughout. The business is growing and investing in its people and infrastructure for the long term. The team is multicultural and community-oriented, with a genuine mix of long-term families and younger workers from across Australia and around the world.

A full-time Farm Machinery Operator position reporting to the Farm Manager. You'll be operating and maintaining a range of tractors, harvesters and support equipment across the full cropping program — working as part of a structured harvest and operations team in a 24/7 production environment. Key duties include: 🔸 Operating tractor-drawn and self-propelled plant to plough, sow, fertilise, cultivate and harvest crops 🔸 Attaching and detaching implements and preparing equipment for each task 🔸 Calibrating equipment and adjusting speed, height and depth of implements to maintain accuracy 🔸 Operating self-propelled vegetable harvesters across potato, carrot and onion crops 🔸 Inspecting crops to determine yield and suitability for harvest 🔸 Directing and monitoring bin chaser drivers, truck drivers and harvest crew during operations 🔸 Participating in operational planning with the Agricultural Technician and Packing Production Manager 🔸 Completing minor maintenance and servicing on farm machinery and reporting issues to the workshop 🔸 Maintaining accurate logs, records and documentation as per company procedures 🔸 Working in line with WHS, food safety and Freshcare quality standards at all times This role suits an experienced, reliable operator who can work independently across long shifts, takes pride in machinery care, and understands that precision in the paddock directly impacts crop quality and yield.

• Minimum 2 years experience operating large agricultural machinery — essential • Experience in horticultural operations or farm management • Experience with machinery maintenance and minor mechanical work • Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to identify and report equipment issues • Unrestricted Class C Driver's Licence — essential • Forklift Licence — essential • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including during peak and high-demand periods • Ability to work flexible hours in response to crop and weather conditions • Team-first attitude with respect for a diverse, multicultural workplace • Strong work ethic and willingness to be hands-on across a broad range of duties

Parilla sits in the heart of the SA Mallee — flat, open country with a genuine rural feel and a strong farming community around it. Lameroo and Pinnaroo are both within easy reach for day-to-day services including groceries, schools, a hospital, cafes and sporting clubs. For bigger shopping you're around 1.5 hours from a larger regional centre. The business has a genuinely diverse workforce with communities from India, Pakistan, South Africa, Indonesia, Latin America and Europe all represented on site. The company runs mid-year and Christmas events for employees and their families — it's a place where people tend to stay. Accommodation options are available in the surrounding area and are discussed in detail with shortlisted candidates, with options for singles, couples and families.