Get paid to look at bugs.
Smartbug Horti is a plant protection and integrated pest management consultancy. We work with commercial berry growers, production nurseries, cut flower producers and protected cropping operations across South-East Queensland, the Granite Belt and Northern NSW, helping growers build reliable crop protection systems using beneficial insects, sharp observation and data-led decisions rather than a spray calendar.
We are looking for a Crop Monitor to join our Brisbane-based team on a casual basis, around 2-3 days per week, paying $30-40 per hour inclusive of casual loading depending on your experience, skills and qualifications. A company vehicle is available for the right candidate.
This is an entry-level role and we train from the ground up. You do not need crop monitoring experience. You need curiosity, sharp eyes and the reliability to work on your own once you have been shown how. If you are studying part-time, we will schedule around it.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
- Walking crops and systematically sampling plants for pests, beneficial insects, disease and disorders
- Identifying key horticultural pests and beneficials such as two-spotted mite, thrips, aphids, whitefly and heliothis, and the predators and parasitoids that keep them in check
- Recording accurate monitoring data in the field using our digital reporting system
- Assessing beneficial insect establishment and performance after release
- Preparing clear monitoring reports and flagging anything urgent to our senior advisors
- Working alongside a crop protection advisor with more than 40 years experience
- Assisting with beneficial insect releases, trials and grower training days
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- A background in horticulture, agricultural science, plant science, environmental science, biology or entomology, through study completed or in progress, or through equivalent hands-on experience
- Genuine interest in insects, plants and how growing systems work
- Sharp eyes, patience and attention to detail. This job rewards people who notice things
- Excellent written and verbal communication. You will be talking with farm owners and staff on site every day
- Confident writing skills. You will be producing clear, accurate monitoring reports that go straight to growers and get acted on
- Solid digital skills. Comfortable with tablets and apps for in-field data entry, and with spreadsheets, email and reporting software. Accurate data input is not an afterthought here, it is the product
- Strong time management. You will plan your own runs, arrive when you said you would, and get reports back promptly
- Comfortable working outdoors in Queensland conditions, including inside greenhouses and tunnels
- A current Australian driver licence and your own reliable vehicle. Work travel costs are covered, and a company vehicle is available for the right candidate
- Based in or around Brisbane, or able to start the day from here
- Willingness to follow on-farm biosecurity and WHS requirements
HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED, WE WILL TEACH YOU
- Experience with a hand lens or microscope
- Familiarity with pest and beneficial identification
- Previous farm, nursery, greenhouse or field trial experience
- ChemCert or AQF3 chemical accreditation
- First aid certificate
WHAT WE OFFER
- $30-40 per hour inclusive of casual loading, based on your experience, skills and education. Well above award, because we pay for capability
- A company vehicle for the right candidate, with work travel costs covered
- Around 2-3 days per week, scheduled flexibly around study or other commitments
- Structured, hands-on training and mentoring from an advisor with more than 40 years of IPM experience
- Real exposure to commercial horticulture including berries, nurseries, cut flowers and protected cropping
- All field equipment provided, including hand lens, sampling gear and monitoring tools
- A genuine pathway into crop protection advisory work as your skills grow
- Variety. No two days, no two crops and no two farms are the same
THE REALISTIC BITS
You will be on your feet, in the heat, in greenhouses, and driving between farms. Some sites are a decent run from Brisbane. Days generally start early. Workload follows the season, so while the role sits around 2-3 days a week, hours can lift during peak pest pressure and ease off in quieter periods. If that sounds good rather than off-putting, you will fit in well here.
TO APPLY
Send your CV along with a short note telling us why insects interest you. No formal cover letter required, a few honest paragraphs is plenty.
Smartbug Horti is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
Pay: $30.00 – $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee mentoring program
- Professional development assistance
- Travel reimbursement
Application Question(s):
- In a few sentences, why do insects interest you?
- How many days per week are you available, and are there particular days that suit you best?
Licence/Certification:
- Australian driver's licence (Preferred)
Location:
Work Location: On the road
