Agricultural/Horticultural/Farm Assistant

Agricultural/Horticultural/Farm Assistant SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role. SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment. SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high‑level oral and written communication skills. SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position. SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area. SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others. SC7 Demonstrated capacity to show initiative, contribute to a positive school culture and commit to the vision and values of Heywood & District Secondary College. Selection Criteria SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role. SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment. SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high‑level oral and written communication skills. SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position. SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area. SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others. SC7 Demonstrated capacity to show initiative, contribute to a positive school culture and commit to the vision and values of Heywood & District Secondary College. Role The role will revolve around improving and maintaining the efficient use of our resources in the Stephanie Alexander and Ag & Hort area of the College. In alignment with this will be the expansion of our agricultural area and its usage. The role will require the staff member to oversee the farm plan and to work with teaching staff of the VCE Ag & Hort classes and RIST. The role will require making sure that the welfare of animals and plants is a priority, throughout the year. An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program. Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level. A role at this range may include: Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes. Typically, this will involve accountability for a single function, (e.g. ensuring data is properly maintained) or the co‑ordination of a work area under the direction of the principal or a manager. Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function. Supervised health and wellbeing support tasks, medical intervention support tasks, or other specialised student/teacher support roles (e.g. enrolled nurses performing the role as described in schedule 3). Technical tasks that require a sound knowledge of basic technical and/or scientific principles that are used to develop and adapt work methods and make judgements where there are clear guidelines and limited options. An education support class position at this range commencing at the base will initially be limited to undertaking routine tasks that are carried out under close supervision and direction. Work that carries some degree of independence will generally involve a limited number of tasks performed on a regular basis where priorities are clear, procedures are well established, and direction is readily available. Responsibilities Oversee the yearly garden/farm plan. Ensure that all farm husbandry practices are undertaken in accordance with the HDSC farm plan and animal welfare as a priority. Oversee daily stock welfare, including feeding and fresh water, throughout the year, including school and public holidays (TIL offered for holiday hours). Maintain and develop the Stephanie Alexander Garden/farm. Work with Agriculture & Horticulture and Science teachers to create work areas that allow for successful completion of curriculum and VCE outcomes. Support RIST programmes in the ongoing maintenance of the Agricultural and Horticulture area where appropriate. Provide opportunities for Students Years 7‑10 to engage in Agriculture & Horticulture programmes such as ‘Careers in Cows¿’ and support Science teachers in the garden/farm area. Encourage Food Technology use of HDSC local produce. The Principal reserves the right to negotiate additional duties with the incumbent when required. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. Diversity and Inclusion The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms – culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability. Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD). Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in accordance with their legal obligations, including child safe standards. DE Values The department’s employees commit to upholding the department’s values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. Other Information Current Key Performance Indicators: All tasks required of the farm plan are undertaken. Clear communication with the Principal of holiday arrangements for the care of the Agriculture and Horticulture area. Conditions of Employment All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre‑employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment, along with induction and support programs. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website. Location Profile Heywood & District Secondary College is a small rural school that lies 30 km north of Portland and approximately 72 km from the South Australian border. Our students travel from outlying areas, i.e. Condah, Dartmoor, Bessiebelle and Tyrendarra. The Heywood community, situated near the newly recognised Budj Bim National Park, has a strong indigenous connection to country. We ensure that our staff undergo Cultural Understanding and Safety Training (CUST) to encourage these connections to strengthen. Our cherished relationship with Winda Mara sees local elders working closely with the school to support local Aboriginal children and learn local Gunditjmara Language and Culture. We strive to be valued as an innovative and outstanding college that promotes partnerships between families, staff and the wider community. We support and empower students to accept responsibility for personal and academic growth and provide a safe and caring environment that allows all students to achieve their potential. We pride ourselves in the knowledge that each student is well‑known to staff and that positive student‑staff relationships prosper through the College. The local Agriculture and Horticulture Industry is an employer of a large percentage of our community and as a result we are continuing to establish a strong primary industry curriculum base. We have a prosperous school farm, rearing chickens and sheep, plus growing vegetables. We are currently designing Community and Stephanie Alexander Kitchen gardens. #J-18808-Ljbffr