Research Feedlot Farmhand
UNE Smart Farms - Tullimba

- Continuing, full-time

- $75,455 to $81,707 per annum (HEO4) + 17% super

- Salary packaging options available

- 5 weeks annual leave + Christmas shutdown leave

- Successful candidate will be based at UNE’s Tullimba SMART Farm, 40 km west of Armidale

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing support

- Diverse and supportive workplace with UNE Ally Network, Equity Committee, Queer Space

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of agricultural innovation at UNE's Tullimba SMART Farm, a leading-edge research and commercial feedlot facility set in the stunning New England tablelands, 40 km west of Armidale.

Live and work in one of NSW’s most beautiful rural landscapes, with a genuine work-life balance that city roles simply cannot offer.

As the Research Feedlot Farmhand, you will play a hands-on role supporting feedlot and farm operations, research activity, teaching, and outreach at one of Australia's most advanced university-owned livestock facilities. Working closely with the Manager – Tullimba SMART Farm, you will contribute directly to research that shapes the future of sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and precision livestock management.

No two days will look the same. From supporting active research trials and maintaining best-practice animal husbandry standards, to assisting with commercial feedlot operations and facilitating teaching activities for the next generation of agricultural professionals, your work will have real purpose and tangible impact. You will work with a high degree of independence in a cooperative, close-knit team environment.

If you thrive in a hands-on, outdoor environment, take pride in meticulous attention to detail, and are passionate about animal welfare and the future of farming, this is your chance to be part of something meaningful in one of regional NSW's most respected agricultural research settings. The research conducted at Tullimba directly informs industry practice across Australia and internationally.

About you

To be successful in this role, you:

- are calm and confident around cattle, with proven experience in low-stress stock handling in a feedlot setting

- have experience in the operation and maintenance of farm machinery, feed mills, and feedlots

- take pride in doing things properly – whether that is maintaining high animal welfare standards, keeping facilities in top condition, or ensuring every detail is captured accurately

- have the ability to use farm management software and livestock recording equipment to capture information accurately,



along with competency in general and livestock specific computer software

- have a sound understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, the application of Work Health and Safety, risk assessment and risk management principles

- have strong time management, communication and interpersonal skills.

Moving to Regional NSW? Introducing The Welcome Experience. The Welcome Experience is a free service for essential workers and their families considering or moving to regional NSW. Obtain free, personalised support for a range of services such as housing, education, partner job opportunities, and community integration. Learn more and register for the program here www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience. Please choose Southern New England (Armidale and Tamworth) for the location.

About UNE SMART Farms

UNE SMART Farms encompass the Armidale SMART Farms (2,915 ha) and Tullimba SMART Farm (740 ha), incorporating sheep and cattle enterprises and a 2,000-head feedlot facility. These properties support a broad range of farm-based research, teaching, and industry engagement. You will be joining a dedicated team of farm staff at Tullimba, near Torryburn – a tight-knit group committed to excellence in everything they do. Further information can be found on the website UNE SMART Farms.

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Lu Hogan, Associate Director SMART Farms, phone: 0427 687 ***, email: ********@une.edu.au.

If you require any adjustments or support to fully participate—such as an alternative format for the application form—please contact your Talent Acquisition Consultant at **************@une.edu.au or on 02 6773 3***.

If you have a disability and would like a confidential conversation about working at UNE, you are welcome to contact our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team.

Please visit www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une for further information about this position and other career opportunities at UNE.

Before you apply

We encourage you to visit our How to Apply page. Whether you are new to applying at UNE or simply want to put your best foot forward, you will find practical, step-by-step guidance on preparing your application, crafting your cover letter, and addressing the Selection Criteria found in the Position Statement.



We recommend using the STAR methodology (Situation, Task, Action, Result) — a straightforward and effective approach that helps you clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and suitability for the role.

To Apply

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday, 01 November 2026

Reference No: 225310

Submit your application through www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une and refer to vacancy ref 225310.

Your application should be comprised of:

1. Covering letter;

2. Responses to selection criteria;

3. Current CV.

Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position.

About Armidale

Armidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquility of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidale’s natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visit https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/experience.

UNE: A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At UNE, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people and the unique perspectives they bring. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute their best.

· A supportive, down-to-earth team culture

· Genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and safety

We warmly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with lived experience of mental health or disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQIA+.

About Our Process

At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values: Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Accountable, Be Connected. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role, as indicated in the position description. This includes providing a National Police Check, Gender Based Violence Declaration and for some roles, a Working with Children Check prior to an offer of employment being made. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically excluded from applying for this position, unless a specific legal requirement applies. For more information, see UNE's Pre-Employment Check Webpage.

Please refer to our Privacy Statement to understand how your personal information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

📌 Research Feedlot Farmhand (Armidale)
🏢 University Of New England
📍 Armidale