Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Livestock Industries
Job title Buffalo Industry Development Officer Designation Technical 3
Job type Full time Duration Fixed from 06/11/2025 to 01/07/2026
Salary $79,927 - $87,579 Location Darwin
Position number RTF Closing 04/09/2025
Contact officer Gretel Bailey-Preston on or
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go
to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
To assist with conducting practical research and extension aimed at sustainable buffalo production in the Northern Territory.
Context statement
The main focus of this position is to act as the project officer for the "Supply chain best practice to improve the health and welfare
of free-range buffalo harvest in Arnhem Land – Northern Territory" project. This project will map and analyse the supply chain and
ultimately provide recommendations for sustainable buffalo harvest across Arnhem Land as well as policy and practice change to
improve health and welfare outcomes for buffalo. This project will follow buffalo through the supply chain to study what is
influencing welfare, and the project officer will assist with all aspects of the project including travelling to collect data from
throughout the supply chain, engagement and consultation with producers and stakeholders and assist with data collation and
reporting. There are also some embedded studies including efficacy of pneumonia vaccine, feeding behaviour trials and a meat
quality study at the abattoir which the project officer will be required to assist with. There will be an opportunity to complete a
master's or other research degree associated with the project. The position will assist with other Livestock Industry RD&E work
when not working on the buffalo project.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Assist and be responsible for the collection, collation, entering and processing of research data related to livestock, specifically
buffalo.
2. Engage and consult with key industry stakeholders including traditional owners, pastoralists and government.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. An appropriate Associate Diploma, Certificate or Degree in Agriculture or a related field, and/or considerable experience in and
knowledge of the northern livestock industry.
2. Demonstrated ability to accurately collect and record data using manual and electronic platforms.
3. A sound understanding of and experience adhering to safe work practices including working with livestock and
station/mustering operations.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently, forward plan and carry out work programs for extended periods in remote
locations.
5. Demonstrated interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, and ability to interact positively and enable effective liaison
between the pastoral industry, traditional owners, NT government and other organisations.
6. Current drivers licence and demonstrate ability to safely operate a manual 4WD vehicle in remote areas.
7. Sound computing skills in an office and field environment – word processing, spreadsheets, databases, data collection on a
tablet or computer, email, and internet.
8. A sound understanding of the Pastoral Industry and Indigenous culture, including commonality and differences, to meet
potential challenges by providing solutions through an open-minded approach.
Desirable
1. Experience in assisting with research projects.
2. Experience working with or in Aboriginal communities especially in the Northern Territory.
3. Experience with buffalo and/or the North Australian buffalo industry.
Further information
The position will require significant travel to bush/remote locations and stations throughout the Northern Territory.