• Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Temporary up to two years
• Primary Work Location: Paterson
• Technical Officer Grade 1/3 – Salary from $75,728 per annum plus super and leave loading

The salary offered to the successful candidate will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award and the Technical Staff Merit Progression Guidelines.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

About the Role
As a Farm Manager at Tocal, you'll be responsible for the full scope of farm operations, from planning and managing cropping and livestock programs to leading a team of staff and contractors. You'll use your farming expertise to guide both research and commercial activities, while also handling budgets, records, and marketing farm produce. You’ll build strong working relationships with stakeholders and focus on maintaining security and operational standards.

Tocal is a 2200-hectare farm located in the lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia. The property contains a range of natural ecosystems, from rainforest remnants and wetlands to dry sclerophyll forests. The main farm enterprises are beef cattle, dairying, horse breeding, and free-range egg production, with a small demonstration of sheep flock and some cropping.

Read more: Tocal beef production

About You
As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Qualifications in accordance with Part 2 (xviii) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award
• Proven expertise in managing diverse farming operations, including cropping and livestock programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Experience in budget management, record-keeping, and marketing farm produce.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to balance competing interests and priorities.

Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the role description.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Robert Rein on 02 4939 8811 or email robert.rein@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close: Tuesday, 16 September 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 talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

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.

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

Additional Information
The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and 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.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.