About Talking Hens
Talking Hens is a family-run, award-winning retail business that specialises in friendly, backyard laying hens plus a range of poultry products and our own high-grade chicken feed. We're based on a 15-acre farm in Merricks, just over an hour from central Melbourne, and we're proud of our sustainability focus - locally made, recyclable and high-quality materials wherever possible. Join a team that's fun, practical and community-minded, where the work is hands-on and every day is a little different.
The role — why it's great
You'll be the friendly face of Talking Hens on the farm: welcoming customers, giving practical, expert advice about keeping hens, and helping keep our shop and displays looking gorgeous. This is a brilliant role if you enjoy sales and advising people, are comfortable doing physical tasks, and want a job with real variety and purpose. We'll give you full product and hen-handling training - you don't need to arrive as an expert but must be willing to learn. Candidates must have unrestricted working rights in Australia.
What you'll do (day-to-day)
- Greet customers, answer questions, and provide tailored advice about hens, feed, and coop care.
- Handle, collect and prepare hens for customers safely and calmly.
- Operate our POS system (Square) and complete sales transactions accurately.
- Merchandise and refresh displays so the shop looks welcoming and tidy.
- Make up and label products (e.g., feed bags, starter bundles) and help load purchases into customers' vehicles.
- Keep store, warehouse and hen enclosures clean and well organised.
- Spot low stock levels and assist with simple stock-control tasks.
- Help with opening/closing, putting out signage and occasional farm-yard tasks.
About you — what we're looking for
- Comfortable working with animals - in this case, chickens.
- Very strong customer service skills - an excellent listener who gives friendly, practical advice.
- Robust sales skills with proven experience in a retail sales environment.
- Physically fit: able to safely lift 20 kg feed bags and handle physical tasks.
- Honest, dependable, and happy to work independently or as part of a small team.
- Good attention to detail and pride in merchandising and presentation.
- Minimum 2 years' retail sales experience.
- Experience using POS systems is helpful - we'll train you in our processes.
- Current Victorian driver's license.
- Weekend availability is essential (our busiest days).
- Fluent English (written and verbal).
Nice to have: previous experience in e-commerce and management.
We'll give you
- Full on-the-job training in hen handling, product knowledge and sales processes.
- A friendly, inclusive team and a genuinely different workplace - part farm, part shop.
- Employee discount on our products.
- The chance to build skills in animal care, retail and customer education — great for someone who wants meaningful work.
- A supportive environment where sustainability and high standards matter.
Practical details & dress code
- Casual role with weekend shifts - flexibility is important.
- Must be able to lift 20kg feed bags repeatedly throughout the day.
- Must hold a current Victorian driver's license.
- Talking Hens will provide a clean work shirt to wear while on shift; hair must be tied back if shoulder-length, and closed-toe shoes are required.
How to apply
Please apply via Seek with your CV and a short cover letter (2–3 lines) telling us your previous retail/sales experience and why you'd enjoy working in our farm shop. Alternatively, you can email your application to
[email protected] or call [0477 220 097](tel:0477 220 097) for an informal chat. Closing date: Applications reviewed as they arrive — we'll close the ad once we find the right person, so please apply soon.
A fair go for everyone
We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Talking Hens is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from people of diverse ages, cultures, and life experiences.
📌 Customer Sales Advisor (Merricks)
🏢 Talking Hens
📍 Merricks