• Full-time, ongoing opportunity
• Location – Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri
• Operational Staff Grade, Salary from $57,045.00 p.a. plus superannuation and leave loading, Fortnightly RDO and Five weeks annual leave.
• A great opportunity to join NSW DPI and work on new research and development projects

Diversity and inclusion are core DPIRD values. Everyone has the right to contribute and participate to their full potential. We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible – a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and part of our collective success.

About the Role

As a Farm Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of our farm. You'll be hands-on with everything from crop production and livestock care to machinery operation and grounds maintenance. No two days will be the same!

Your duties will include but not limited to:

• Supporting crop and pasture operations
• Performing horticulture activities – including irrigation, pruning, spraying, harvesting, and cover cropping
• Operating and maintaining tractors and farm equipment
• Carrying out fencing, roadwork repairs, and upkeep of farm assets
• Keeping detailed records of stock, chemicals, machinery, and paddock activities
• Collaborating with the team to support agricultural research projects

Essential Requirements

• Current NSW Driver Licence
• Chemical Accreditation AQF 3 or ability to maintain
• Current forklift licence or eligibility to obtain

If you are motivated and diligent with a passion for farming, we want to hear from you. 

Apply now and help shape the future!

When applying you will need to submit a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your experience skills and capabilities that align to the role and a resume.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the role description.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 8 June 2025, 11:55pm

Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Bruce Etheridge - Regional Manager Northwest & Australian Cotton Research Institute via bruce.etheridge@pird.nsw.gov.au or on 0428 269 912.

Additional Information

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role will be required to undergo reference checks, National Police Check and Bankruptcy Check.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

About Us: Together, we are DPIRD

 The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions. DPIRD brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service.

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.

The Policy, Reform and Evidence Branch leads cross cutting policy development for the Department, with expertise in complex policy and legislative reforms, regional development policy, data and evidence, and regional workforce attraction, development and retention policy and programs.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.