The Rockhampton Grammar School are seeking a committed and experienced Agricultural Assistant (Farmhand) to support the daily operations of our agricultural education program.

This is a Part-Time position working 2 days per week (Wednesday & Friday).

The Rockhampton Grammar School was founded in 1881 and is an independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating and caring for students from Prep to Year 12, as well as the Early Learning Years and is Queensland’s largest boarding school. The Rockhampton Grammar School has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 143 years. The School has a total enrolment of over 1,400 (Prep to Year 12) students who are exposed to our broad curriculum, giving effect to our commitment of Grow in Character and Scholarship.

As part of our teaching team, we provide a supportive, flexible working environment where care for all our staff is an important part of our ethos. We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our staff and students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

At The Rockhampton Grammar School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where students thrive both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Join us at The Rockhampton Grammar School and be a part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in education! The School values co-curricular involvement and provide a wide variety of opportunities for staff in this regard.

POSITION TITLE: Agricultural Assistant (Farmhand)

DEPARTMENT: Secondary

CLASSIFICATION: Permanent, Part-Time (2 days per week)

REPORTS TO: Head of Department

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General:

Planting, watering and care of crops and market gardens etc. including regular physical maintenance and the use of appropriate insecticides, herbicides and fertilisers where necessary;

Care (and feeding) of animals, cleaning cages and pens etc. including weekends, public holidays etc, as negotiated;

Provide assistance in setting up facilities and support for onsite and local activities;

Maintain infrastructure and keep them in a tidy and clean condition;

Regularly inspect infrastructure and grounds and report any damage to the Head of Department and Facilities Department;

Consult with the Facilities Department regarding maintenance matters requiring additional resources outside of farm budget;

Purchase and/or collect necessary materials and equipment (non-capital) to perform maintenance function adequately and within budget with approval from Head of Department;

Keep the property secure against trespass and vandalism;

Keep roadways and access paths clear of obstructions and in good order;

Operate machinery and equipment within safe legal limits;

Ensure all appropriate risk assessments and Workplace Health & Safety requirements are attended to in terms of farm equipment, infrastructure and resources.

Other relevant agricultural duties as directed by Head of Department

Assisting Teacher Activities:

Organise the distribution and collection of class sets of tools, equipment and materials for practical work;

Assisting teachers during practical agricultural class activities;

General assistance with teaching material for agricultural classes;

Assist with duties on campus and at other sites as required eg Belmont, Showteam

Stock:

Ensure animals are in healthy condition;

Control and maintain feed and water for the animals;

Control and maintain security for any supplements or drugs;

Administer treatments and supplements;

Dispose of sharps, biohazards, carcass and body tissue appropriately;

Arrange Veterinary inspections and appointments in consultation with Head of Department.

Stores Management:

Collect and/or receive deliveries of agricultural materials, unpack, check invoices and store appropriately in compliance with legislative and policy requirements.

Collect and/or receive petrol, LP gas, insecticides, herbicides, fertilisers, chemical and associated supplies and prepare requisites;

Keep secure poisons and flammable liquids as per legislative requirements;

Maintain and order feedstuffs;

Maintenance:

Repair of infrastructure and equipment;

Maintain store rooms, machinery sheds and field laboratories in a functional, safe and orderly manner;

Maintain plant rooms, glasshouses, hydroponic systems, aquaponic systems and aquariums;

Routine maintenance as required.

Show Team:

Assist Teacher in Charge – Showteam in the delivery of the show team co-curricular program by attending training sessions, workshops and shows;

Assist staff in the care and welfare of students;

Organise livestock for transport;

Drive transport for livestock as required;

Attend to the welfare and husbandry of livestock during and after hours as required;

Prepare weigh bills, Vendor declarations and other documents associated with livestock management;

Other duties as required by Head of Department or Teacher in Charge – Showteam.

Administration:

Maintain electronic and hard copy stock records;

Maintain heard health records;

Prepare weigh bills, Vendor declarations and other documents associated with livestock management;

Prepare and maintain Animal Welfare registration, approvals and assist with audits;

Process invoices for authorisation;

Monitor expenses and budget in relation to farm operations.

N.B This position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process.

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to:

Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;

Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;

Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;

Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;

Act as a positive role model for children and young people;

Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;

Maintain valid “working with children” documentation;

Undergo periodic “national criminal history record” checks;

Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible risk to children and young people.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful applicant will be subject to a “Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check” where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks, qualification check and professional registration checks.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

Experience in mustering and carrying out routine livestock husbandry procedures;

Knowledge of animal welfare requirements;

Knowledge of regionally significant animal health issues and experience in implementing animal health control programs in livestock;

Experience in operating two-wheel motorbikes under variable environmental conditions;

Experience in operating tractors;

Skills in constructing and maintaining rural fencing;

Knowledge of work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice;

Knowledge of environmentally sustainable work practices.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

REQUIRED LICENCES/CERTIFICATES

Certificate III in Agriculture or Rural Operations (or related industry relevant qualification)

Current First Aid and CPR Accreditation

Qualified in the Units of competency being delivered, or equivalent;

Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Licence;

Working with Children Check (Blue Card);

Police Check;

Safeguarding Children Online Certificate;

Valid Open Driver’s Licence.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position - please 'apply now' by emailing [email protected]

Please submit the following compulsory items:

Cover Letter, indicating why you are applying for this position and detailing your vocational training experience;

Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae with the contact details of two work related referees;

RGS Application for Employment Form.

Applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible.

Enquiries should be directed to Hannah Redding (Head of Agriculture) on 07 4936 0737.

*Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

*The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any Safeguarding of Children, legislative and/or operational requirements