• Trafalgar East, VIC.
• Full / Part-time
• Start date: September 2023 (or prior)
• Remuneration: circa. $50,000p.a. + superannuation

The opportunity

To build and maintain a pioneering small-scale farm, with a team of awesome people in an ideal Gippsland setting - and in doing so inspire others around the world to do the same.

A bit about us

Gippsland Collaborative is a new not-for-profit based in the stunning landscape of Gippsland, Victoria. We’re a group of like-minded people committed to demonstrating the innate potential of a community to determine its own way of life: with a focus on education, health & holistic well-being, human connection and small-footprint living.

How we work

Our team depends on personal responsibility and mutual respect. We each bring our own super powers to the challenge, but it’s in how we support one another and cross-leverage these strengths that our collective ability to make change lies. We work closely and communicate constantly, yet are confident in completing tasks on our own; we’re knowledgeable in our respective fields, yet understand that learning is a lifelong undertaking; and we’re determined to achieve our goals, but aware it’ll take continuous adaptation to do so. This focus on balance is essential to creating a burnout-free culture, and is why we believe in a harmonious relationship between work and life. We are invested in both our collective and individual success.

Adaptative and empathetic personalities who don’t take themselves too seriously will thrive here.

The farm

Central to our circular economy’s design is a small-scale market garden, being developed in accordance with Jean-Martin Frontier’s ‘The Market Gardener’ model, on a sloping 5 acre plot (3 acre arable). Jean-Martin is the founder, teacher and mentor of The Market Gardener Institute and a trailblazer in the field of human-scale regenerative agriculture.

You can learn more about his work here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z17bO-owNY)

The farm’s mission is “to grow nutrient-dense food in healthy soil, for healthy people and a healthy planet”. The farm is committed to sustainability and self-sufficiency, using only natural methods to grow all produce.

The farm’s 5 goals

• Viability - to create a profitable and sustainable "bio-intensive" organic farming system that intensifies production to achieve maximum yield from the minimum area of land.
• Quality - to grow the healthiest and tastiest produce imaginable for our local community, friends and family.
• Scalability - to find ways to scale the farm’s offering and in doing so contribute more broadly to the changes needed in our global food systems if we’re to mitigate global warming and ensure food security.
• Education - to offer fun and engaging learning experiences that build understanding of the connections between living soils, nutrient-dense food, better health outcomes, carbon sequestration, sustainable biospheres, climate and sustainability.
• Enjoyment and fun - to achieve all this collaboratively as a team of awesome humans.

Where you fit in

With construction well underway and our market gardens currently being developed, we’re ready for a passionate farmer to come join us on our mission. The right person will be someone who’s not only aligned with our values and committed to the vision we share, but who also understands and is passionate about the style of farming we’re growing into.

NB*: Gippsland Collaborative will provide all the necessary resources required to build and run the farm. You simply need to bring your head, heart and hands.

Requirements and responsibilities

We are looking for:

• A passion for farming and an inspiring attitude, with a willingness to work with organic farming and/or permaculture principles.
• An experienced farmer with a solid understanding of how to run a successful farming business.
• Tech-curious with excellent organisation and communication abilities, familiar with using tools such Google suite to manage complex scenarios.
• Proven skills in small engine operation, maintenance and repair applied (but not limited to) basic lawn equipment, BCS tractor and implements, full size tractor, and Japanese mini trucks; including driving standard transmissions.
• Proven skills in basic carpentry, plumbing and irrigation.
• A good understanding of soil health and how to build the quality of the soil.
• Deep knowledge of the use and management of greenhouses/shade houses.
• A great understanding of crop planning, planting, and crop rotation.
• A fast and fit planter, weeder, and harvester, who enjoys finding ways to streamline their systems.
• Awareness that this position is labour oriented, outdoors, and year-round in Gippsland weather.
• An understanding of organic pest management.
• Strong leadership skills, and a desire to share their knowledge.
• Willingness to learn with - and from - a number of Mentors.
• Must be great with people and building relationships, and willing to network to establish local supply chains.
• Must have a current Working With Children Check.
• Must have a valid driver’s licence and be at least 21 years old.

What you will be responsible for

• Creating annual production plans and setting production targets to ensure highest quality and diverse offerings.
• Managing daily field tasks & operations.
• Soil building, field prep, planting, cultivation, crop management, harvest, distribution.
• Communicating effectively on crop and pick quality and consistency, and ensuring all records are kept up to date.
• All health and hygiene practices, systems and processes in the pick-and-pack area.
• Supervising and training team members to execute daily operations.
• Managing production flow and overseeing production tasks.
• Maintaining common farm tools and equipment.
• Evaluating and refining our systems and ability to meet the needs of our customers.
• Crop selection, cultivation methods, harvest and wash practices.
• Market performance and needs.
• Team performance and needs.
• Motivating a productive team.
• Ensuring the team follows all legal and company health and safety regulations and standards.
• Maintaining detailed records of all farm activities ensuring cleanliness, organisation and safety.
• Collaborating with directors and other stakeholders to recruit, manage and train a diverse, excited and engaged team.
• Provide leadership and feedback to team members and contribute to annual reviews.
• Work directly with farm and other staff, suppliers and contractors and our local community as stakeholders in Gippsland Collaborative.

What you gain in return

• Starting salary circa. $50,000 per annum, plus superannuation.
• 20 days paid annual leave.
• The choice between Full and Part time options.
• A workday spent on a beautiful property in Gippsland, Victoria with mind-blowing views all the way out to the Yarra Ranges.
• A positive, vibrant community engaged in a variety of interesting and complimentary projects onsite.
• Up to 3 acres of land on which to build the Market Garden.
• The chance - if desired - to facilitate workshops and education days, contributing to the development of our educational offering.
• Potential for accommodation onsite in our staff quarters for the right person.
• The opportunity to further develop your knowledge and skill set around small-footprint living, learning from other pioneers in the field.
• The opportunity to work through Jean-Martin Frontier’s ‘The Market Gardener’s Masterclass’ course - currently valued at $3,500.
• Access to the Community House’s benefits: incl. pool, tennis court, spa and gym - subject to availability.

To apply please click "Apply Now", or alternatively visit our website at gcinc.org.au, where you can also find more information about Gippsland Collaborative’s values and vision, and complete the application form on the Get Involved page.

We look forward to welcoming you!