Farm Operations Manager - Collingwood Children’s Farm VIC

Location: Abbotsford, Vic
Farm Operations Manager Collingwood Children’s Farm

The Farm Operations Manager reports to the General Manager and is responsible for directing the day-to-day on ground operations of the farm. Head Gardener, Head of Animal Husbandry and Buildings and Grounds Maintenance team are direct reports to the Farm Operations Manager. The Farm Operations Manager oversees the Farm Operations Budget.

Position Objective

The Farm Operations Manager is charged with developing long and short term plans and is responsible for overseeing the worksite, coordinating all farm operational activities including: general day-to-day maintenance of farm site including farm buildings and equipment; garden and animal requirements; and, in consultation with the Community Engagement Manager, work for volunteers and community programs on the farm.

Organisational Overview

The Collingwood Children’s Farm is an iconic not-for-profit urban farm situated on the banks of the Birrarung on Wurundjeri Land in Melbourne. Boasting an extensive range of animals and garden spaces, it is open to the public all year round offering visitors the experience of farm life in the inner city.

The farm operates a range of programs and activities supporting children and people experiencing adversity via their school educational tours, Young Farmers and disability support programs. It also plays a key role in engaging the community by hosting a number of popular events that promote agriculture and local produce in Victoria.

The success of the farm relies heavily on word of mouth and the community effort with staff and volunteers working collaboratively to maintain the farm, keep it sustainable and to ensure visitors have a great experience.

Key Selection Criteria

It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

Significant experience in managing the daily operations of a community farm or similar.
Significant experience supervising staff and/or volunteers.
Demonstrated understanding of farm machinery and equipment.
Demonstrated understanding of managing food production and animal welfare in an urban environment.
Open to new ideas and willing to embrace change in the face of ever changing trends and landscape.
Self-starter who is willing to be accountable to stated goals.
Commitment to integrity, mission and service.
Child-safe organisation: CCF has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-safe organisation. All CCF staff must undergo a Police Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

The Collingwood Children's Farm respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung of the Kulin Federation as the First Nations people of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the lands we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Leaders past and present, for their guardianship of these lands.


Please apply via email to conor@farm.org.au with the subject heading:

‘APPLICATION - Farm Ops Manager via NRMjobs’

Please include a cover letter explaining why you want to work at CCF, and no more than 2 A4 pages responding to the Key Selection Criteria and the Position Description (see below).

Position Description of role at: https://nrmjobs.com.au/storage/img/docs/2021_10_21_22_57_25_6171f0555b22088.pdf