The Casual Farm Hand & Events position reports to the Farm Experience and Events Coordinator and the Daily Supervisor and is responsible for the execution of high quality events and Farm experiences at the Collingwood Children’s Farm (CCF).

Position Objective

The Casual Farm Hand & Events is the frontline for farm experience, events and venue hire. Farm Experience delivers a package of daily activities to the general public and acts as point of contact for visitors on site. Events can take place on weekends, evenings and also daytime and include but are not limited to weddings, live music, private functions, dinners, workshops, children’s birthday parties and whole-day community events.

This role may also include delivering corporate tours and packages along with handling initial visitor engagement from reception and ticketing. This position is a key role in providing an enjoyable Farm experience to ensure visitor expectations are met. The Casual Farm Hand & Events role will support CCF’s operations by being available to work shifts as needed and occasionally at short notice. The Casual Farm Hand & Events position offers support where required in all areas of the Farm that benefit a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for CCF’s community.

Organisational Overview

Collingwood Children’s Farm is an iconic non-profit Community Farm situated on Wurundjeri Land on the banks of the Birrarung in Melbourne. With extensive pasture, gardens and a range of livestock, the Farm is open to the public all year round and offers visitors a taste of Farm life in the inner city.

The Farm operates a range of inclusive programs and activities that support people of all ages experiencing adversity, provides education opportunities to children, young people and adults and brings people closer to nature.

The Farm also plays a key role in engaging the community, hosting a number of popular community events that celebrate Victorian Farmers and producers. The Farm’s success relies heavily on word of mouth and community effort, with staff and volunteers working in collaboration to maintain the Farm, ensuring its sustainability and seeing that visitors to the Farm have a wonderful and unique experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Work after- hours events such as weddings, live music, dinners, workshops, and private functions. This work may include: walking vehicles in and out of the Farm, helping clients with event set up and pack down, liaising with Farm Café staff during weddings, bar work, familiarity with the Farm’s security procedures, troubleshooting during events, cleaning and other various Farm duties.
• Assist the Events & Marketing Manager and Events Coordinator with feedback to improve the smooth delivery of events.
• Support with daytime events such as birthday parties and group visits.
• Engage with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with courtesy and respect, ensuring all visitors to the Farm feel welcome and supported.
• Deliver consistently high-quality Farm experiences to the visiting public and volunteers. This will include a suite of activities for the visitors.
• Delivering pre designed packages to corporate volunteer groups and supervising volunteer work.
• Supporting front of house reception and ticketing by greeting visitors and answering queries.

Quality and OH&S

• Follow all Farm OH&S processes and procedures and ensure event staff, patrons and vendors also comply.
• Ensure compliance to all government legislated requirements.
• Report workplace hazards identified during the course of work.
• Follow safe work procedures and ensure all event staff, patrons, clients, program participants, and visitors are made aware of safe work practices and behaviour when around the Farm.
• Follow the emergency management plan and ensure all event staff, patrons, clients, volunteers and visitors are aware of it.
• Apply and promote organisation policies in all work practices.

Day to Day Farm Tasks

• Carry out tasks on the Farm as outlined in the Farm operational plan and daily/weekly/monthly task allocation.

Staff Relations

• Consults with Events & Marketing Manager and Daily Supervisor for development of work plans.
• Follows allocation of work tasks to ensure successful implementation of Events and Farm Experience programs.
• Participates in regular performance evaluations.
• Ensure safe work practices are followed and event staff, patrons and visitor health and wellbeing is at top of mind at all times.

Additional Responsibilities

All Collingwood Children’s Farm Staff work together for the success of the organisation as a whole

• Attend staff, and other relevant meetings as necessary.
• Assist with leading tours, providing information and education as necessary.
• Support with any fundraising initiatives.
• Take on additional tasks as directed by the CEO.

Key Selection Criteria

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

• Demonstrated experience in working events (eg. hospitality, festival or music events).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills and a demonstrated ability to act professionally and with courtesy when interacting with people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.
• Open to new ideas and willing to embrace change in the face of ever changing trends and landscape.
• Possess IT skills, including proficiency in key Microsoft and Google applications.
• Able to follow instructions from other team members, and a self-starter, who is willing to be accountable to stated goals.
• Commitment to integrity, mission and service and a commitment to the vision, philosophy, aims and objectives of Collingwood Children’s Farm.

Mandatory:

• Valid Working with Children Check or the ability to obtain

Highly desirable:

• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence
• Current Responsible Service of Alcohol