Rural merchandise store worker

Benefits to primary industries

We supply the farming community with everything needed to run a farm. We also have an agronomist to provide advice about growing crops and pastures.

Where do you live?

I live here in town.

What are some important skills?

I need to understand local industries and growing conditions. I deal with a lot of different people so it is good to be able to spend time and get to know growers and contractors in our local area. We stock a huge range of supplies, from fencing materials and livestock feeds to technologies like drones. This variety means I need to have a really good understanding of everything we stock and be able to recommend the right product for the job.

What is your favourite part of your job?

When I get to go and visit farmers and get to know their properties.

What are the main tools of the trade?

My phone and computer are really important, so we can access lots of information online to help farmers make decisions and to find a particular tool or a soil testing lab.

What training have you had?

I did work experience here and then had some after- school work. I have had a lot of training through the store in things like safe handling of chemicals.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be managing one of the stores.