Machinery Operator – Cropping & Pasture Development | Yeoval | NSW

Kerin Ag is seeking a Machinery Operator to manage our cropping and pasture development program near Yeoval in the Central West of NSW.

You’ll be running a modern, well-set-up program with a new fleet of machinery and plenty of purpose behind the work. We’re consistently developing country, improving pastures and planting around 1,000 hectares each year of winter and summer fodder crops or improved pastures.

There’s always something to get done, and it all feeds into the bigger picture: better soil, better feed and better livestock outcomes.

You won’t be micromanaged. We’re looking for someone who can run their patch, take pride in what they do and grow with the business.

Kerin Ag is based 13 km from Yeoval in the Central West of NSW, in a 650 mm rainfall environment. We farm in a part of the world where seasons change, markets move and the only constant is that we must keep resetting our sails to the wind.

Since starting Kerin Ag in 2007, we’ve grown the business by doing the basics skilfully, investing in people, backing great systems and staying curious about how to turn pasture, fodder crops and rainfall into reliable cashflow.

The property covers 4,800 hectares divided into 370 paddocks, all set up with cattle-proof troughs fed by header tanks and bores. All livestock are rotationally grazed. They go to the right paddock, at the right time, for the right reason.

The core of the business is seedstock through Kerin Poll Merino and Kerin Wagyu, alongside a large-scale cattle trading enterprise supported by an extensive pasture and fodder cropping program.

We focus on matching stocking rate to carrying capacity, managing risk and making decisions based on facts rather than emotions and outside noise. That same thinking flows through how we run machinery, manage climate and livestock, and work as a team.

We’re serious about how this place looks and how it runs. Immaculate infrastructure and machinery, well-designed sheep and cattle yards and well-maintained systems are a big part of how we operate. Great facilities make for safer handling, better stock flow and better outcomes for both people and animals.

Our management style is on time, ahead of time, ALL THE TIME. This is a place where people are trusted, responsibility is real and talented people are valued.

• Operate and maintain the fodder cropping enterprise and pasture renovation program.

• Plan and execute jobs with a focus on timing, quality and efficiency.

• Carry out boom spraying, lime and fertiliser spreading, deep ripping and sowing.

• Operate the Bobcat and incorporate lime using the offset disc.

• Maintain high standards across machinery, implements and the workshop.

• Spot issues early, troubleshoot problems and follow through to a solution.

• Work with new technology and improved production methods.

• Support livestock operations when required, particularly during peak periods.

Machinery you will operate includes:

• FENDT 963 tractor.

• Stoll 10,000-litre boom spray.

• Bourgault Disc Seeder.

• Agri-Spread 20-tonne fertiliser spreader.

• Bobcat 870 skid steer loader.

• K-Line 8.2 m Power Flex Speed Tiller.

• K-Line 6 m Deep Ripper.

We’re looking for attitude, competence and care. If you like working with good gear, good people and a business that’s going somewhere, this role will suit you.

You’ll likely have at least three years’ experience in intensive or broadacre cropping or farming systems, and be confident operating machinery.

You’ll bring:

• An understanding that good farming outcomes start with soil, timing and attention to detail.

• Practical mechanical and troubleshooting skills. These are essential.

• The ability to work independently, manage your time and solve problems as they arise.

• Care for machinery, equipment and the landscape you work in.

• An openness to new technology and production methods.

• Ideally, an interest in agronomy and how decisions in the paddock flow through to animal and business performance.

• A willingness to lend a hand with livestock during peak periods.

• Pride in your work and the ability to take ownership of your responsibilities.

Above all, you’re someone who wants to be part of a team, contribute to something bigger than yourself and keep getting better at what you do.

• A recently renovated four-bedroom house, with an office and a school bus stop at the front gate.

• Electricity provided.

• A well above average wage package for the right person, rewarding experience, skill and attitude.

• Real responsibility, real variety and a clear opportunity to progress quickly for the right talent.

• A new fleet of machinery and well-maintained infrastructure.

• The opportunity to manage your patch without being micromanaged.

Kerin Ag is in a great region to live and work, with good services, schooling options and several major towns within easy reach.

Yeoval has a strong local community and the practical services you need day to day, including schools, fuel, postal facilities, cafés, pubs and clubs. It’s the sort of place where people know each other, look out for each other and welcome new people into the community.

We’re also 70 km from Dubbo, 80 km from Parkes and Orange, and 28 km from Wellington.

Orange is well known as the food and wine hub of the Central West, with excellent restaurants, wineries, shopping and schools. Dubbo offers major services, schools, shopping, medical facilities and attractions such as Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Wellington has grocery facilities, schools and everyday services, and Woolworths can deliver groceries straight to your front door at the farm.

We encourage you to have a look at what’s in and around Yeoval. It’s a well-connected and fantastic part of regional NSW to call home.

If all of this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

Apply via the APPLY NOW button below with your résumé and a short cover letter telling us a bit about yourself and why this role interests you.

If you’ve got questions and want to talk it through first, call Nigel on 0427 464 070.

We’re always keen to talk to good people who want to grow with the business. If you’d be interested in checking out the property beforehand, please get in touch.

PLEASE NOTE:

• This is a permanent position and not available to overseas applicants or Working Holiday Visa Holders (Backpackers). Nor do we offer sponsorship for overseas jobseekers.

• Applications without required skills and experience listed in the ad will not be considered

• Due to the number of applications, the employer may not be able to respond to all applicants.