Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912
Full-Time: Immediate start
Job Title: Section Supervisor
Salary range: $87,000 - $97,000
Job Closure date: 30 days
About our client
Our client is a prominent leader in the FMCG and horticultural sector, operating sophisticated agricultural production facilities on the Mornington Peninsula. Specializing in high-value crop production, they implement advanced agricultural technologies and precision farming practices across their diverse horticultural operations. Their integrated approach combines expert crop management with sustainable farming methods, ensuring optimal plant health and maximum yield through scientifically driven treatment programs and resource management. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, they maintain industry-leading standards for commercial horticultural production.
About the Role
On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated Section Supervisor to lead their crop management and treatment operations. This pivotal role requires a skilled agricultural professional with comprehensive knowledge of crop protection, nutrient management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in precision application techniques, chemical management, and operational coordination, ensuring the highest standards of crop health and production efficiency across our client's sophisticated horticultural enterprises.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Crop Treatment Management & Quality Assurance
• Implement and supervise all crop treatment operations including pre-plant applications, fertilizer broadcasting, and precision boom spraying, ensuring strict adherence to established procedures and safety protocols
• Monitor and assess weather conditions to determine optimal timing for crop treatments, maximizing efficacy while minimizing environmental impact and product loss
• Conduct regular quality inspections of garden growing operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions to maintain exceptional work standards
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for treatment operators, ensuring all team members are proficient in their duties and understand treatment objectives
Technical Coordination & Resource Management
• Collaborate closely with Agronomists and Agricultural Technicians to develop and implement targeted crop treatment programs based on scientific analysis and crop monitoring data
• Coordinate with the Farm Operations Manager to align treatment schedules with overall production plans, harvest timelines, and crop rotation strategies
• Manage and optimize inventory of fertilizers and agricultural chemicals, maintaining accurate stock records and ensuring proper storage conditions according to safety regulations
• Liaise with the maintenance division to schedule regular servicing of treatment equipment, including sprayers, spreaders, and application machinery, ensuring operational reliability
Irrigation Management & Operational Planning
• Work collaboratively with Agronomists to schedule and monitor crop water requirements, ensuring optimal irrigation timing and volume for different crop stages and soil conditions
• Implement and oversee precision irrigation programs, adjusting schedules based on weather patterns, crop development stages, and water resource availability
• Monitor soil moisture levels and plant water status to optimize irrigation efficiency and prevent water stress or over-watering situations
• Maintain detailed records of all irrigation activities and their impact on crop development and treatment efficacy
Team Leadership & Compliance Management
• Lead and mentor treatment application teams, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and technical guidance to maintain high productivity and safety standards
• Ensure all crop treatment activities comply with industry regulations, chemical application standards, and environmental protection requirements
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures for all treatment methods, ensuring consistency and safety across multiple production areas
• Conduct regular safety meetings and equipment operation reviews, fostering a culture of safety consciousness and continuous improvement among team members
Essential Qualifications & Experience
• AQF Certificate IV in Agriculture, Horticulture, or equivalent qualification combined with minimum 1-year full-time experience in a supervisory agricultural role
• Demonstrated experience in crop treatment applications, chemical management, and irrigation scheduling within a commercial production environment
• Proven track record in managing agricultural teams and implementing precision farming techniques
Essential Skills & Attributes
• Comprehensive knowledge of crop protection products, fertilizer applications, and integrated pest management strategies
• Strong leadership capabilities with ability to train, motivate, and manage teams in a dynamic production environment
• Excellent coordination skills with ability to work effectively with technical specialists, maintenance teams, and management
• Proven ability to work autonomously while maintaining strong collaborative relationships across multiple departments
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong analytical skills for monitoring treatment efficacy and crop response
• Practical, hands-on approach with commitment to achieving production targets while maintaining safety and quality standards
• Adaptability to changing weather conditions and ability to make timely decisions regarding treatment scheduling
To Apply
If you are an experienced agricultural professional ready to take on a supervisory role within a leading FMCG business, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through the application portal.