JOB POSITION:
Picker, Fancyleaf Hydroponics
This time of year as growth is slowing is unfortunately not a time when we do a lot of hiring, instead just using our core employees. However, if you would like to email your details we are happy to keep them on file and will send you an email when the weather warms to see if you are still looking for employment.
Send to: employment@fancyleaf.com.au
Manager, Fancyleaf Hydroponics
The business and location:
Fancyleaf is a highly intensive, very successful, hydroponic farming operation located 5 kilometres from Caboolture, midway between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane (30 mins to either). The business was started 21 years ago by the owners who are now looking for a more relaxed lifestyle. It has one customer at present, the major supermarket chain in this country, but there is plenty of production area available to supply other markets, for those with more energy than the present owners. This area offers a great lifestyle in a rapidly growing area with Moreton Bay only a few kilometres away in a direct line. For those with high school kids, Narangba Valley High, which is one of the states’ premier state schools just a couple of K’s away, and is both a great school and a source of labour.
The business has turnover of more than a million dollars a year and continues to grow, without even tapping other markets. A core of well trained staff are in place and they are topped up during the busy summer season with seasonal workers. Strict Quality Control measures are in place to ensure safe food is produced all year round.
Fancyleaf works in different ways to our competitors which allows us to keep gaining market share from them. The business has also been extremely proactive with innovation and has a highly developed computer control system in place.
It is a benchmark player in the hydroponic industry.
Duties:
Running of the field farming operations on a day to day basis under the guidance and tutelage of the owners. This will require at least some farming experience and includes but is not limited to:
Forklift work (bring completed pallets to cold room, loading trucks)
Pump repair (replacing seals and bearings, no electrical work)
Nutrient mixing (making stock solutions in 1,000 ltr batches)
Spray operating (spraying when necessary for insect pests)
System monitoring (farm is controlled by 2 PC’s, computer literacy necessary)
QA compliance (record keeping, attending audits, training courses as needed)
Underbench weeding (from purpose built equipment behind a ride on mower)
Equipment maintenance (done on a regular basis, includes flat tyres etc)
General farm maintenance (always something to do on a farm)
Commitment to the business (a need to understand that success requires a sizeable commitment in terms of time, this is not an 8 hour a day job, if something requires attention after knock off time, it has to be done)
Applicant skills and requirements:
Fitness and habits: The position requires that the applicant is reasonably physically fit, a non smoker (TMV) and of sober enough habits that business performance is not going to be affected by any after hours activities.
Literacy: There is an ongoing need on a daily basis for record keeping so literacy is essential.
Computer literacy: Basic computer literacy is a prerequisite as the farm is controlled by several PC’s. Detailed knowledge of software programs like Word or Excel is not required, but know your way around a machine is.
Chemcert: The farm manager is responsible for both spraying and spraying supervision when required and as such requires Chemcert (chemical application certificate). Applicants with a current Chemcert will be viewed more favourably, but either way must be willing to get if no current certificate is held.
Forklift operation: A current forklift licence is required, it is not enough to say” I have driven one for years without a licence”, it is a requirement to have one. For the right applicant assistance may be given to obtain one.
Driving licence: Although only about 5 K’s from a major shopping centre we are not served by any form of public transport so both a licence and a reliable vehicle are required.
Quality Assurance skills: QA is an ongoing part of farming life now. Fancyleaf has a strict QA system in place which has been designed not to be onerous, while doing its’ job. Applicants with QA experience will be viewed favourably. Applicants that are otherwise suited must be willing to learn QA and attend training courses as necessary.
Management skills: While an MBA is certainly not required to run the business applicants need to be able to organise their time efficiently, and control and organise the workforce to be as efficient as possible as well. Some demonstration of their abilities in this area would be appreciated.
Proof of identity: Applicants will have to be able to produce proof of identity such as passport and driving licence, past bills etc. as well as their status, i.e. do they actually have the right to work in this country.
Remuneration:
A package for the management position has been prepared, inclusions are:
Rent free comfortable, maintained, 3 bedroom highset house with single garage (double garage when owners are not around)
Swimming pool (maintained)
Free electricity (within reason)
Free phone (Voip)
Free Broadband (ADSL 2+)
$50k per year starting salary. (note: all employees are employed by a labour hire company) This can be added to by, say, the applicants’ spouse becoming part of the labour force when a vacancy happens, if that is desirable.
Applicants need to be aware that the business will be made available for sale, which will not be a quick process. There are several options to explore, sell the freehold lock, stock and barrel with business under management or offer a lease of the business. Obviously an existing manager with some assets who knows the business first hand may be a prime candidate as a buyer for either course.
If you feel you have the attributes to handle this position please fill in the form below with your basic information and attach a CV if you wish.
Please complete as many of the questions as possible
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