Research & Extension Coordinator – Agronomy
Southern Farming Systems | Victoria & Tasmania
Southern Farming Systems (SFS) is a farmer-led, not-for-profit research, development and extension (RD&E) organisation delivering practical, applied agronomic research across Victoria and Tasmania's high rainfall zone. We work alongside growers, industry and government to turn research into real on-farm outcomes.
We are seeking a Research & Extension Coordinator – Agronomy to lead and coordinate our cropping research and extension activities and support the delivery of high-quality trials and projects across multiple regions.
About the role
This role provides technical and operational leadership for SFS's cropping research and extension program. You will oversee agronomy-focused research staff, coordinate trial delivery from planning through to reporting, and ensure projects are completed safely, on time and within budget.
The position suits an experienced agronomy or research professional who enjoys working across field operations, people leadership, project coordination and extension with growers.
Key responsibilities
Leadership & coordination
* Oversee and support Senior Research & Extension Officers and Research & Extension Officers working in cropping and agronomy
* Contribute to recruitment, mentoring and development of staff, including seasonal casuals
* Provide input into operational logistics and workforce planning
Research & trial delivery
* Coordinate the planning, implementation and management of cropping trials and projects
* Ensure agronomic inputs are applied efficiently and aligned with key agronomic timings
* Conduct trial site inspections and quality assurance
* Manage reco administration and trial documentation
Project & operational management
* Work closely with the General Manager, Operations team and regional managers to coordinate sowing, spraying, harvest and in-season activities
* Lead project tasks and budgets with support from senior management and consultants
* Manage project expenditure in line with organisational authority guidelines
* Contribute to internal progress reporting for management and the Board
Extension & engagement
* Help plan and deliver extension activities including field days, workshops and grower events
* Support the development and adoption of new practices with growers and advisers
* Build partnerships with farming systems groups, research organisations and industry stakeholders
* Professionally represent SFS at meetings, workshops and events (including occasional interstate travel)
About you
You are an organised, practical and people-focused agronomy professional with experience delivering applied research and extension. You enjoy working in the field, coordinating teams, and translating research into practice.
Essential experience & knowledge
* Experience planning, coordinating or delivering agricultural research and extension in mixed or broadacre farming systems
* Sound knowledge of crop and pasture agronomy and trial plot management
* Ability to manage staff, projects, timelines and budgets
* Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with growers and stakeholders
Qualifications & requirements
* Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) or willingness to obtain
* Unencumbered driver licence
* Tertiary qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience (highly regarded)
Skills & attributes
* Team leadership, mentoring and motivation
* Practical problem-solving and decision-making
* Strong organisational and time-management skills
* Intermediate to high-level Microsoft Office skills
* Alignment with SFS values of integrity, accountability, leadership, innovation, responsiveness, impartiality and respect
* Commitment to health, safety, environmental stewardship and quality systems
Why join Southern Farming Systems?
* Work with a respected, farmer-led organisation delivering real-world agronomic impact
* Be involved in diverse, high-quality cropping trials across multiple regions
* Collaborate with growers, researchers, advisers and industry partners
* Enjoy a role that blends agronomy, people leadership and extension
* Negotiated salary based on experience and qualifications
* Professional Growth: Lead high-profile field trials (NVT, GRDC, industry contracts) and engage with sponsors and grower groups to shape the future of applied cropping research.
* Cutting-Edge Resources: Access new machinery and infrastructure, with continued investment in team capability and technology.
* Great Culture: Be part of a positive, flexible, and collaborative workplace with friendly staff and a highly engaged Board.
* Location & Lifestyle: Work from our lnverleigh base - just 30 mins from Geelong and the Surf Coast, and 1 hour from
How to apply
If you're passionate about applied agronomy and research extension and want to make a tangible difference for farming communities, we'd love to hear from you.
Request a full PD and/or submit your CV and a short cover letter via