Regional Development Officer

at; Österreich; Vor Ort; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading agricultural organization in Australia is seeking a Regional Development Officer to join their VegNET Extension Program. The role involves providing on-ground support to vegetable growers, and addressing regional challenges through workshops and collaboration. Ideal candidates will have qualifications in agriculture or horticulture, strong communication skills, and project management experience. Recent graduates are welcome to apply. This position involves travel across regional areas, with a vehicle provided.

Qualifikationen

• Understanding of agricultural and horticultural issues.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement or project management.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multitask.

Aufgaben

• Deliver workshops on best practices in vegetable production.
• Collaborate with experts to solve grower challenges.
• Build strong relationships with WA farming communities.

Kenntnisse

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Project management

Ausbildung

Qualifications in agriculture or horticulture

Recent graduates welcome to apply

Jobbeschreibung

vegetablesWA (VWA) has been the peak industry body for more than 75 years, representing 600+ vegetable growers in Western Australia. Its purpose is to assist vegetable growers, industry and government to maintain a profitable and sustainable vegetable industry.

The Western Australian Vegetable industry is changing rapidly – dealing with issues including changing water availability, advances in technology and threats from new pests and diseases. vegetablesWA has a small team of highly skilled experts who tackle these issues daily, while providing valuable services to vegetable growers to help support their businesses. These include advocacy and representation, research and development extension, value chain and export development, benchmarking, quality assurance, and marketing and business services.

VWA is home to VegNET, the National Vegetable Extension Network, connecting Australian vegetable growers with research and development extension and resources to enhance productivity and profitability. Delivered through 10 national regional extension projects, it promotes industry best practices and fosters stronger relationships among key stakeholders to drive sustainable growth in vegetable production.

About the Role

VWA is seeking a passionate and skilled Regional Development Officer (RDO) to join the VegNET Extension Program in Western Australia. This role provides on‑ground support to vegetable growers, acting as their single point of contact for extension services, communication, and industry initiatives.

As an RDO, you will play a facilitator, collaborator, and knowledge broker role, helping growers address regional challenges, adopt new innovations, and connect with key stakeholders across the vegetable industry.

Core Duties in Extension Work

Deliver workshops, field days, and demonstrations on best practices in vegetable production, soil health, irrigation, and pest management.

Collaborate with experts to solve grower challenges in pest and disease management, crop protection, water and energy efficiency, and sustainable farming practices.

Collaborate with researchers to trial new technologies and farming methods, and share findings with WA growers.

Build strong relationships with WA farming communities, facilitate grower groups, and improve access to resources and markets.

Work collaboratively with VegNET RDOs across Australia to align on industry extension priorities and best practices.

Support government and industry programs, monitor extension impact, and report outcomes.

Prepare reports, newsletters, and educational materials; use digital tools to share updates with growers and stakeholders.

About You

Qualifications and/or experience in agriculture, horticulture, natural resource management, regional development or communications - recent graduates welcome to apply.

Understanding of agricultural and horticultural issues and current pressures and challenges facing farmers in our sector.

A willingness to understand and engage with issues and stakeholders in an agricultural industry association.

Experience in stakeholder engagement or project management.

Strong communication skills, including report writing, journal articles, and event coordination.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask ability to work independently and proactively.

A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally (a vehicle will be provided for regional travel).

Next Steps

If you’re eager to contribute and become part of a close‑knit, collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your relevant professional experience for this role. For any enquiries, please contact Peter Spackman (Chief Executive Officer) on 0407 545 924.

Closing date: 7 January 2026

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• Have you completed a qualification in horticulture?
• Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
• Have you completed a qualification in communications?