Work across livestock, crops, machinery and agricultural research at one of NSW's leading agricultural research sites. Enjoy a varied hands-on role, a 9-day fortnight and 5 weeks annual leave while helping shape the future of agriculture in NSW.

• Temporary full-time opportunity until 30 November 2027
• Located at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute
• Operational Staff Grade 1 salary from $62,940 to $69,361 plus 12% superannuation
• 9-day fortnight
• 5 weeks annual leave*

Why Join DPIRD

At DPIRD, you'll be part of a supportive and experienced team working across diverse farming enterprises while contributing to agricultural research that benefits farmers and industries across NSW.

Benefits of joining us include:

• 9-day fortnight and excellent work-life balance
• Varied work across livestock, cropping, pasture and horticultural operations
• Opportunity to contribute to agricultural research that benefits farmers across NSW
• Supportive, experienced team environment
• Hands-on work with a variety of machinery, equipment and farming systems
• No two days are the same

About the Role

As a Farm Assistant, you'll be part of a close-knit team supporting day-to-day farming operations and agricultural research activities at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute. You'll gain experience across livestock, cropping, pasture and horticultural enterprises while helping maintain machinery, infrastructure and research sites that contribute to the future of agriculture in NSW.

Your work will include:

• Livestock handling and animal welfare activities
• Irrigation, spraying, harvesting and general crop operations
• Operating and maintaining tractors and farm equipment
• Fencing, grounds maintenance and farm infrastructure repairs
• Supporting research trials and maintaining research plots
• Recording stock, chemical, machinery and operational data accurately

About You

We're looking for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and is willing to get involved wherever needed.

You will bring:

• Experience working in a farming, agricultural or horticultural environment
• A strong safety focus
• A positive attitude and team-focused approach
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varying conditions
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail

Highly regarded qualifications

• Chemical Accreditation AQF 3
• Current forklift licence 

Please note: The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a pre-employment health assessment as part of the recruitment process.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Peter Jessop, Cluster Manager Southern, on 0427 019 180 or email peter.jessop@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

For further information please view the full Role Description - Operational Staff GR 1 - Farm Assistant - RA.pdf.

Applying is easy!

Please apply via our online portal and submit:

✅ A CV (max 4 pages)

✅ A cover letter (max 2 pages) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.

Applications close: Thursday 20 August 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.  

Additional Information

* Employees residing in remote locations, such as Wagga Wagga, may be entitled to up to five weeks annual leave.

• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months. 

After applying:

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates  
• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.

About Us

Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

 The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

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

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.  

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.