Orchard Operations Manager

The Lucas Group, Australia’s specialist in agricultural recruitment, is proudly partnering with our client, a respected, long-standing citrus producer, to appoint an Orchard Operations Manager based in the North Burnett region, Queensland.

About the Role
This hands-on leadership role is responsible for managing day-to-day orchard operations across 115 hectares of premium citrus. Reporting directly to the business owner, you’ll oversee all aspects of production, from pruning, spraying, and irrigation through to harvest, ensuring fruit quality, staff productivity, and operational efficiency are maintained to the highest standards.

You’ll lead an experienced core team year-round, expanding to around 120 seasonal employees during harvest. This position will suit a motivated and practical leader who takes pride in producing top-quality fruit and maintaining a well-run, productive orchard.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all orchard operations including pruning, thinning, spraying, harvesting, and pest management.
• Lead, train, and support permanent and seasonal staff to ensure high performance.
• Coordinate irrigation and fertigation programs, including frost protection and water management.
• Maintain farm machinery, plant, and infrastructure to ensure reliability and safety.
• Plan and schedule orchard activities in collaboration with the business owner and management team.
• Manage procurement of farm inputs such as fertilisers and chemicals.
• Support seasonal worker wellbeing and assist with pastoral care initiatives.
• Uphold fruit quality standards to maximise yield and premium returns.

About You
You’ll be an experienced farm operator or orchard supervisor ready to step into a key leadership role. You’re hands-on, proactive, and take pride in leading by example.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Background in horticulture, tree cropping, or large-scale farm operations.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor staff.
• Competence in irrigation, fertigation, machinery operation, and maintenance.
• Organised, detail-focused, and committed to producing quality outcomes.
• Citrus experience highly regarded but not essential.

The Offer

• $100,000 (commensurate with experience)
• 2024 Toyota Landcruiser GX 4x4 Utility (personal use within reason)
• Fuel, phone, and accommodation provided
• Supportive, proud, and hard-working team culture

If you’re a practical and motivated leader seeking the next step in your horticultural career, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information or a confidential discussion, please call John Lowe on (08) 8201 9999.
Reference number JL10966

The Lucas Group
For over 30 years The Lucas Group has been providing agricultural industries in Australia with executive search, recruitment, and human resources consulting services.
Find out more about us or upload your resume: www.lucasgroup.com.au