Dryland Area Manager

Company Description
We are currently seeking an experienced Dryland Area Manager to join the Farm Team with Solterra in Worral Creek, South-West Queensland. We offer a competitive salary as well as family housing, ute, phone, laptop and internet connection. The Dryland Area Manager is to bring with them relevant large-scale broadacre cropping management experience.

The Dryland area is ~6,720 ha, with the total aggregation ~25,000 ha across several assets located in the Border Rivers zone of southern Queensland, approximately 100km from Goondiwindi. The farm’s strategic location and operational efficiency aligns strongly with Solterra’s commitment to being recognised as a best-in-class business, providing meaningful long-term opportunities for our people and a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we operate.

Job Description
Reporting to the Farm General Manager, the Dryland Area Manager holds a critical leadership position within the business and is responsible for all dryland cropping activities including detailed planning, input and production management, agronomy and reporting. Supported by a dedicated farm team of permanents plus casuals, the Dryland Area Manager will drive the culture, efficiency and profitability of the farm. This will require strong team leadership, great time management, logistics, communication and strong execution skills.

Role overview

• Ensure safe operations across the property through the implementation of our Safety Management System
• In collaboration with the other Cotton Area Managers and Farm General Manager, actively participate in the planning, preparing, and implementing annual cropping plans and budgets, covering various activities such as spraying, spreading, paddock preparation, planting, and harvest operations.
• Lead the team during paddock preparation, seeding, spreading and harvest, including testing, recording and storage
• Work closely with the advisors and agronomist to develop agronomic understanding and practices on farm.
• Report on farm plans, production forecasts, operational progress of infield activities and inventory control.
• Develop and implement farm and cropping quarterly strategy plans in collaboration with the farm team.
• Reporting and maintaining records on paddock operations, safety measures, and maintenance activities.
• Manage and direct staff to achieve positive outcomes as well as providing coaching and mentorship as required
• Implement sustainable farming practices
• Adhere to company policies and safe work procedures.

Qualifications
About you

• You have a demonstrated ability to lead and work safely, adopt new practices and technology, further develop skills, and collaborate in a team environment.
• Have a keen eye for detail while capturing and recording important data in Agworld.
• A proven background in large-scale broadacre crop production and management.
• You possess strong financial literacy.
• You have a strong track record of effectively managing and inspiring teams, because of your strong communication skills.
• Have practical skills around machinery repairs and servicing of equipment.
• Possess good understanding of irrigation systems and the movement of water around flood and sprinkler irrigation structures.
• You demonstrate a high level of initiative and self-motivation.
• You hold an MC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one.
• You have a chemical users’ certificate or have the ability to obtain one.
• Full Australian working rights.

Additional Information
What are we offering you

• A competitive salary package commensurate with your experience and the responsibilities of the role
• Career progression opportunities within our growing organisation.
• Accommodation provided to ensure your focus remains on leading our dryland operations effectively.
• A balanced workload, averaging 50 hours per week.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Remote employee dependent education support.
• Support and development opportunities to reach your full potential.
• A Melbourne-based back office team that will partner with you.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.

You can apply by selecting “I’m interested” now, but if you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Laura Cocks at croppingtalent@warakirri.com.au or 0461461497. If you call and don’t reach me feel free to send a text so I can get back to you.

Closing Date: Open until filled, so you are encouraged to apply now.