Join the team at Tocal College, Paterson and play a hands-on role in livestock care and farm operations.

• Temporary Full-time until 28 September 2027
• 38 hours per week
• Location: Tocal College, Paterson
• Operational Staff Grade 1 - Salary from $61,107 to $67,341 per annum + superannuation + 9 day fortnight

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 Tocal College

Tocal courses are renowned Australia-wide for providing students with practical training, development of industry-relevant skills and experience in general agriculture, beef cattle, dairying, rural business management, sheep production, cropping and conservation and land management.

Tocal College prides itself on offering the most current training available and so responds to industry changes as quickly as possible.

About the Role

The Tocal Livestock Enterprise spans 1,600 hectares and is home to:

• 450 cows and calves
• 250 breeding ewes
• 115 Australian stock horses.

As a Farm Assistant, you’ll work closely with the Tocal Livestock Enterprise Manager and team to:

• Handle livestock and maintain the welfare of animals
• Undertake crop, pasture, and general farm operations
• Operate and maintain tractors, plant, and farm machinery
• Carry out fencing, roadworks, and building maintenance to keep farm assets in good order
• Accurately record stock, paddock, chemical, and machinery usage to support research and compliance
• Support Tocal students in developing skills through practical work within the farm operations.
• WHS-focused and disciplined in upholding the highest standards of safety.

This is a hands-on role involving outdoor physical work in a variety of environmental conditions – ideal for someone who enjoys practical farming, being part of a collaborative team, and contributing to agricultural excellence.

What’s in it for you:

• A 9-day fortnight to support your work-life balance
• Opportunities to build skills across livestock, cropping, and farm operations
• Work alongside experienced colleagues in a supportive and collaborative team
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where your contribution is valued
• Access to health & wellbeing initiatives and Employee Assistance Programs
• Be part of Tocal’s proud reputation in agricultural education and research

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

Essential requirements

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

For a confidential discussion about this vacancy please contact:

Robert Rein, Tocal Centre Manager 📞 0498 808 270 or 📧 [email protected]

Alternatively, you can view the full role description here

👉 Ready to roll up your sleeves, APPLY NOW

All applications must be submitted online. Please attach an up-to-date resume/CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

📅 Applications Close: Tuesday 4 November 2025, at 11:55pm AEST

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 [email protected] or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.

Additional Information

🔎 The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.

🌀 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.

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 nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is proud to announce that we have achieved Disability Confident Recruiter status, by Australian Disability Network. DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.