Farm Services Leading Hand (Horticulture)

Summerland Farm | Alstonville, NSW

Looking for more than just another farm job? Join one of the Northern Rivers' most recognised agricultural enterprises and play a key role in leading a hardworking team across our thriving avocado and macadamia orchards while helping create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.

At Aruma and Summerland Farm, we're proud to combine commercial success with community impact. As our next Farm Services Leading Hand, you'll enjoy a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same, working across 8,000 avocado trees, 7,000 macadamia trees, commercial farm services, harvesting operations, and orchard management.

This role is Permanent FT, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Lead a small, close-knit team in one of the Northern Rivers' largest horticultural operations
• Enjoy a varied role across harvesting, machinery operation, orchard management, farm maintenance, and commercial farm services
• Make a genuine difference by coaching and supporting employees with disability to develop valuable workplace skills
• Work outdoors in a beautiful Northern Rivers setting with a supportive local team
• Be part of a growing organisation that values safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement

About the Role

Reporting to the Horticulture Manager/Farm Coordinator, you'll lead day-to-day farm services activities while coordinating harvesting, orchard operations, machinery use, and customer-based farm service work. You'll ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard while supporting the development of your team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading daily farm and orchard operations
• Coordinating harvesting activities across avocado and macadamia crops
• Operating and overseeing tractors, farm machinery, and equipment
• Supporting pruning, irrigation, pest management, weed control, and crop monitoring
• Delivering commercial farm services including mowing, chipping, mulching, and slashing
• Coaching and supporting team members to work safely and effectively
• Building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders
• Maintaining a safe work environment and strong safety culture

About You

You'll be someone who enjoys leading from the front and isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves.

We're looking for someone with:

• Experience in agricultural operations, horticulture, harvesting, or farm services
• Experience leading small teams
• Strong skills operating tractors, machinery, and farm equipment
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A commitment to workplace safety and quality outcomes
• A positive, hands-on attitude and strong work ethic

Highly Regarded

• Agricultural machinery licences
• Forklift, EWP or similar tickets
• Chemical certification
• Working at Heights experience
• Experience supporting diverse or inclusive workforces

Join a Team That Makes a Difference

At Aruma, our purpose is simple: supporting people to live a great life, the life they want, the life they choose. Every day you'll contribute to a business that delivers high-quality agricultural products while creating meaningful employment opportunities within our local community.

If you're a local farming professional, orchard supervisor, leading hand, machinery operator, or horticulture specialist looking for your next opportunity in the Northern Rivers, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and grow your career while making a real impact at Summerland Farm.

Our Commitment

At Aruma, we’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are focused on creating an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Our Recruitment Approach 

We review applications as they come in and move quickly to interview great candidates, so we encourage you to apply early. While we include an indicative closing date, roles may close sooner if we find the right person. Applications received later in the process may not progress. If you’re unsuccessful and would value feedback, please feel welcome to reach out to our Talent team.

Closing Date: Friday 11th December 2026