Farm Operations Team Leader

The Role: Hands-On Farm Operations Leadership

This is a hands-on supervisory role where you'll spend the majority of your time doing direct farm work—harvesting, packing, planting, machinery operation—while also coordinating with our team and managing day-to-day operations.

You'll be central to our production cycle, working across all farm functions as seasonal priorities change. This isn't a desk-based management role—you'll be in the field, packing shed, and nursery alongside your team every day.

What You'll Be Doing Daily

Production & Farm Operations (Your Core Work)

o   Crop preparation, establishment, monitoring, maintenance and harvesting

o   Seedling propagation and nursery management

o   Fruit & veg packing shed operations and workflow

o   Farmers market and wholesale produce preparation

o   Machinery operation and basic maintenance

o   Monitoring and maintaining farm equipment, tools and infrastructure

o   General farm operations (picking, packing, planting)

Team Leadership & Coordination

o   Leading and supporting staff on the ground

o   Providing guidance, troubleshooting issues, and reporting performance concerns

o   Collaborating with all farm functions to inform planning and produce availability

o   Assisting with task planning and project coordination

Reporting & Systems

o   Recording farm data including inventory, input logs, and harvest records

o   Providing the Farm Manager with relevant farm/crop/equipment/resource/safety information

o   Identifying problems early and helping implement solutions

o   Working to improve systems, efficiency and organisation across the business

Customer & Community

o   Customer service and engagement at farmers markets and with wholesale clients

o   Participation in seasonal on-farm experiences and events

o   Work safely and ensure safety standards are maintained

Essential Skills You'll Bring

Production & Operational Experience

o   Minimum 3+ years on-farm or horticultural experience – You know how farms work

o   Physical capability – Able to lift and move produce crates (up to 20 kg), bending, reaching, climbing ladders, standing for long periods. Pre-employment medical may be requested.

o   Machinery operation & maintenance – Mechanically minded, comfortable with farm equipment, pumps, and machinery. Strong practical troubleshooting skills.

o   Crop knowledge – Experience in crop management, seedling propagation, and understanding seasonal cycles

o   Prepared for all conditions – Work in heat, rain, cold, mud, wind and dust without complaint

o   Reliable & punctual – Farm work means early starts, long days, and weekend work during peak harvest and markets. You manage yourself well and show up consistently.

o   Valid Australian driver's license – You must have your own reliable transport (farm is not accessible by public transport). Comfortable driving a produce van in city traffic.

Team Leadership & Communication

o   Experience in staff supervision – A natural leader who wants to work alongside the team to lead, engage and motivate staff

o   Strong communication skills – Able to receive and convey information, listen actively, respond professionally, and enhance processes

o   Ability to collaborate – Work effectively with suppliers, contractors, management and staff

o   Problem-solving mindset – Identify issues early, troubleshoot practically, and seek guidance for complex problems

o   Customer service attitude – Engage positively with customers, visitors, event participants and stakeholders

Organisation & Business Skills

o   Excellent organisational skills – Manage multiple priorities and projects, plan ahead, and think forward

o   Attention to detail – Commitment to producing quality products and services to expected standards

o   Mathematical literacy – Calculate quantity and weight, process payments for produce sales, manage value for money

o   Basic computer literacy – Confident with mobile apps and recording systems

o   Accountability – Deliver assigned tasks and projects on time and to expected standards, working independently and collaboratively within guidelines

Personal Attributes

o   Belief in the mission – Passionate about organic, regenerative farming and creating nutrient-dense food with purpose

o   Initiative & reliability – You take action, solve problems, and others can count on you

o   Positive attitude – You bring energy and commitment to the team

Desirable Skills (We'll Support You to Develop)

o   Organic and/or regenerative farming experience

o   MR Licence – or willingness to obtain

o   Forklift licence – or willingness to obtain

o   ChemCert AQF3 certificate – or willingness to obtain

How to Apply

Email ******@zestinyfarm.com with:

1. Your resume

2. A cover letter addressing how you meet the Essential Skills listed above

3. An example of a hands-on farm challenge you've tackled and how you solved it

4. Why this role interests you and what attracts you to regenerative farming and local food systems

Zestiny Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experience levels who share our commitment to sustainable agriculture.