Full-time permanent position
Base salary will be in the range $68,939.72 - $75,882.43+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 3)
Based at Gatton Campus
Applicants must be available to be regularly rostered to work on weekends
We are seeking a proactive and motivated farm attendant to conduct farm and research operations for the University as a member of the Crop & Field Research Unit (CFRU). You will assist with the day-to-day operations of the UQ Gatton Farm Units by setting up and conducting prestart maintenance of equipment and their operation, fodder production, chemical handling, irrigation activities and the related record keeping.
We are supported by drones, GPS guidance and precision farming technology including planters and spray equipment.
Key responsibilities will include:
Set up, operate and provide operational maintenance to a range of agricultural equipment used in horticultural, field crop and fodder production operations.
Preparation and apply agricultural chemicals.
Undertake Harvest operations which include operation of harvest machinery, processing and post-harvest activities on broadacre and research crops.
Set up and operate scheduled Irrigation activities.
Maintain records including irrigation records, diarizing daily activities to assist with EOM invoicing and the use of relevant apps to capture and highlight data collection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz0lmtJ3YQg
Established over 125 years ago, UQ’s Gatton Campus has a long history – from starting out as a dedicated agricultural institution, to being a field hospital during WWII, and to joining the UQ community in 1990.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join an organisation where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued, and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
On campus childcare, medical clinic, and post office
26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
17% superannuation contributions
17.5% annual leave loading
UQ Study for Staff
25% discount on eligible UQ Vets services
Access to our $4.1 million UQ Sports facility
Volunteer in our community garden
Certificate in a relevant discipline (Agriculture, Agronomy or engineering), or a year 12 level of education with relevant work experience, or equivalent relevant experience or combination of relevant experience and education/training
Certificate of competency in the operation of a front end loader, fork lift, quad bike, side by side and tractor
A, B and C class motor vehicle licences
Knowledge of horticulture, fodder or field crop production
Mechanical aptitude and the ability to operate and undertake basic maintenance of equipment associated with cropping and fodder production
Demonstrated ability to work independently when required and effectively within a small team
A commitment to quality service, processes, production and attention to detail
Possession of or the ability to obtain a Blue Card and Chemcert accreditation in Agriculture and Veterinary Chemicals, a commercial operator’s license issued under the ACDC Act would be highly regarded.
Special conditions:
Applicants must be available to be regularly rostered to work on weekends
It is a requirement of this position to wear tight-fitting respiratory protection which can only effectively seal to the face if facial hair is absent. It is therefore a requirement of the position that you maintain a clean-shave or only have facial hair that does not interfere with the fitting surfaces and the valve of the respirator.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Bec Archer (Senior Trials Coordinator) at r.archer1@uq.edu.au.
For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61582).