Leading Hand (Cowra)

• Temporary, Full-Time role up to 2 years
• Location: Cowra
• Salary starting from Operational Staff Grade 2 $69,220 - $75,728 plus superannuation and leave loading

Diversity and inclusion are core DPIRD values. Everyone has the right to contribute and participate to their full potential. We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible – a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and part of our collective success.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Leading Hand to support the delivery of farm operations, field maintenance activities and research initiatives. This role provides an opportunity to combine your practical farming knowledge with leadership skills to help deliver safe, efficient and sustainable outcomes.

Working closely with the Farm Supervisor, you will assist in coordinating daily farming activities across livestock, pasture and fodder crop production areas. You will play an important role in ensuring operational activities are completed to a high standard while supporting research programs and maintaining a strong commercial focus.

About You

You are a hands-on agricultural professional who enjoys working in a practical environment and supporting a team to achieve results. You have strong knowledge of farming practices, excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing operational needs.

You will have:

• Experience in farm operations, including livestock and/or cropping activities
• The ability to organise work, manage priorities and coordinate resources effectively
• Strong attention to detail with experience maintaining operational records
• Experience supporting or supervising staff, contractors or work teams
• A commitment to safety, quality and best practice farming approaches
• A current Chemical Certificate is highly desirable. however, applicants who do not currently hold this certification will be supported to obtain the required training.

Essential Requirements:

• Current NSW Driver Licence

If you are ready to bring your farming expertise and leadership skills to a role that supports both research and commercial outcomes, we encourage you to apply.

Apply now and help shape the future! 

When applying you will need to submit a resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your experience skills and capabilities that align to the role. 

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the  role description.

Applications close: Monday 6 July 2026, 11:55pm

Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Mark Oosterveen, Cluster Manager via [email protected] or on 02 •••• •643.

What to expect next 

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.  

The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process. 

About us 

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies. 

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.  

The department brings together: Local Land Services, NSW Resources, Agriculture and Biosecurity, Fisheries and Forestry, Regional Development and Delivery. 

With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Additional Information 

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to [email protected] or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion. 

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role will be required to undergo reference checks, National Police Check and Bankruptcy Check.