Au Pair/Farm Hand – Brookton (ref #2445)

A lovely family of 5 (3 daughters) is looking for an Au Pair/Farm Hand to join their family.

The oldest daughter is in year 3 at school, catching the school bus from the front gate of the farm each day. The second daughter is in Pre-Primary and will also catch the school bus to school each day.  The youngest tries really hard to keep up with her big sisters; she misses them when they are at school and will be at home each day with the Au Pair.

More details on the children and family can be provided upon application.

The Farm

The property is approximately 1300ha and is mostly a sheep farm, mating around 3500 merino ewes each year. About ⅓ are mated to crossbred rams for prime lamb production and the rest are mated to merinos for wool production.

The owners also grow between 300-450ha of crop, which is generally a mix of wheat, oats and barley.

The long term goal is to expand the business in the future by either leasing or purchasing a bit more land.

The business also employs a full time workman, who helps with the operation.

On arrival the owners will provide an induction and provide on farm training so you feel comfortable to perform the tasks requested. They aim to provide an environment where everyone is comfortable to ask questions or ask for help so employees can complete all jobs safely and in an efficient manner.

Details of interest

The job is split into 2 roles – Au Pair and Farm Hand. The general split is 70% Au Pair and 30% Farm hand, however this is moderately flexible depending on skill level, what time of year (so what tasks are required on the farm) and the kids schedules.

The owners have outlined below what each role involves, but as you can imagine with farming and kids there are always unexpected things popping up.

The role of Au Pair will include:

• School bus drop off and pick up.
• Looking after the youngest child during the day, this includes preparing their meals, playing, bath time, nappy changes and keeping her safe around the farm.
• Preparing the evening meal for the family.
• Helping with homework after school.

The role of Farm Hand would include:

• Checking sheep, making sure they are free of fly strike and are in general good health.
• Monitoring water points and making minor repairs if necessary.
• Fencing, this includes repairing existing fences, erecting new fences and maintaining fence lines by pruning trees and shrubs.
• Sheepyard work, pushing sheep into a crutching cradle, drenching, jetting, drafting, weighing and mulesing.
• Feeding stock, includes trail feeding hay and pellets.
• Help move vehicles during Seeding/Harvest/Hay.

Skills you need

• Non-smoking.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and observant.
• Able to follow instructions/guidelines.
• Able to work unsupervised when asked and also as part of our small family team

What are your Rewards?

Private accommodation is provided on farm and is a short walk to the house.

The accommodation has reverse cycle air-conditioning to keep you warm or cool depending on the season, hot water, kitchen, toilet and shower, all under the same roof. All meals are provided on workdays and you can choose to have the evening meal with the family or in your own house.

Hours are typically 7.30am to 5pm (roughly 38-40 hour week) but can vary depending on if it is an ‘Au Pair day’ or a ‘Farm Hand day’ and the time of year. Most of the time it is a Monday to Friday role, with occasional weekend work only during busy times (Harvest/Seeding/Shearing).

There is weekly pay, and the business offers Time in Lieu instead of overtime. Pay is in line with award – more details can be provided upon application.

What can life after work look like

Brookton town is approx. 130kms SE from Perth. Brookton has all amenities and local sporting clubs. i.e. bowls, golf, tennis, swimming (seasonal).

Brookton also has an IGA, Pharmacy, Hardware, Post Office, Deli, Pub, CRC, 2 x Roadhouses, and various Farm businesses.

In summary:

Location: Brookton, Western Australia

Start Date: Immediate

Job: Au Pair/Farm hand

Hours: Full-time casual work

Accommodation: Available

Driver’s license:  Essential

Fluent English required