Bring legacy to life. For the future of Queensland and the world.
We are seeking a Technical Officer (Regional Agronomy) to work with an energetic team undertaking Participatory Action Research on farms with growers and agronomists to understand the risks and rewards to major decisions and practices in grain farming systems.
The position will support research agronomists and farmers to conduct research activities, including planting, spraying, harvesting and operating commonly used farm and research machinery. As a Technical Officer, you will also be required to collect and prepare samples for analysis from field trials, monitor crops and implement field treatments.
The position is ideally suited to recent graduates who can develop their knowledge and skills with an experienced RDE team, or more experienced staff who can bring their current expertise to share with the team. The position may also suit students who can complete their qualification on a part-time basis while working and gaining the experience to make them attractive for ongoing employment on graduation.
The position requires a willingness to work outdoors and travel, including overnight, to service research sites in southern Queensland. Most importantly, we are seeking people with the right attitude, a willingness to get their hands dirty, learn and have fun in a rewarding job that makes a difference to people's lives.
Employment type: Temporary full time until 30 June 2028
Primary location: Goondiwindi
Job ad reference number: QLD/632131/25
Classification level: TO2
Remuneration package:
Total package: $80,247 to $94,624
Consisting of:
* Salary: $70,336 to $82,937
* Superannuation: $8,967 to $10,574
* Leave loading: $943 to $1,112
Locality allowance: A locality allowance applies to this position. Please refer to the Role Description for further information.
Mandatory Qualifications:
Diploma level qualification (or equivalent), or interest in completing studies towards a minimum of a Diploma level qualification, in Applied Science or similar field.
A current 'C' Class driver licence, with the ability to get a manual licence
About the role:
As our Technical Officer, you will:
* Support research agronomists and farmers conduct research to ensure timely planting, spraying, harvesting, application of treatments and monitoring of sites.
* Operate research equipment and, monitor and maintain data logging equipment (e.g. weather stations) at research sites.
* Collect and prepare soil, plant, and water samples including plant biomass, grain, soil, and other samples for analysis from field trials to characterise aspects of crop performance, soil health and farming system sustainability.
* Monitor crops and implement field treatments that include fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides in accordance with best management practice.
* Help maintain a central database of experimental results in preparation for statistical analysis
Technical Requirements of the role:
* Ability (or ability to learn) to implement experimental designs and procedures, including following protocols, recording activities and observations, and accurately managing varying types of data and records in a timely manner.
* Empathy with farmers and agronomists and an ability to communicate with them as they assess the likely risk and rewards of decisions and practices, and test new options to improve their farming systems.
* Ability (or ability to learn) to operate research equipment for field experiments, including regular use of boom-sprays, planters, harvesters, soil sampling rigs, drying ovens, soil and plant threshers and grinders.
* Ability and willingness to work outdoors and travel, including overnight, to service research sites in southern Queensland.
Citizenship or visa requirements:
To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be an Australian citizen, hold permanent residency status, or possess a visa allowing you to work in Australia.
Applications will remain current for 12 months.
Visit daf.qld.gov.au and our social media accounts to learn more about what we do.
To apply for this role:
Follow the instructions provided in the role description and candidate information pack, available through the SmartJobs and Careers website ().
Closing date: Thursday 1 May 2025
Contact person: Andrew Erbacher - Phone: 0475 814 432