Agricultural Officer

Department of Primary Industries and Regions; Loxton; On-site; AUD 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) invites applications for an Agricultural Officer at the Loxton Research Centre to support horticultural research and field trials. You will assist with irrigation installation, weed and pest management, data collection and farm operations, delivering practical, evidence-based outcomes for growers and the state's primary industries.

Join a team focused on productivity, sustainability and biosecurity, with opportunities for professional

Responsibilities

• Providing practical support across horticultural crops for commercial-scale production and research programs.
• Preparing and maintaining research sites, including irrigation systems and routine crop care.
• Undertaking weed and pest management to support healthy growing environments and biosecurity.
• Applying treatments, collecting samples, and gathering trial data with established methodologies.
• Maintaining farm machinery, equipment and infrastructure for safe, efficient operations.
• Monitoring activities and reporting incidents or resource needs to the Research Centre Manager.
• Collaborating with researchers and staff to deliver innovative projects in irrigated horticulture.

Job description

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for an Agricultural Officer to join the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), where you will contribute to leading agricultural research and deliver outcomes that support the productivity, sustainability and prosperity of South Australia's primary industries.

Your impact Play a hands-on role in agricultural research that delivers real outcomes for South Australia's horticultural industries. Supporting field trials, data collection and farm operations, you'll contribute to innovative research that improves productivity, sustainability and crop management practices. Your work will help develop practical, evidence-based solutions for growers while supporting the long-term success and resilience of the state's primary production sector.

What you'll be doing

As a key member of the Loxton Research Centre team, you will play an important role in:

• Providing practical support across a diverse range of horticultural crops, contributing to both commercial-scale production activities and industry-focused research programs.
• Preparingand maintaining research sites, including ground preparation, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, and routine crop care to promote plant health and maximise productivity.
• Undertaking weed and pest management activities to support healthy growing environments and meet research and biosecurity requirements.
• Applying treatments, collect samples, and gather trial data in accordance with established research methodologies, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of research outcomes.
• Maintaining farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
• Monitoring activities and promptly report incidents, operational issues, or resource requirements to the Research Centre Manager.
• Working closely with researchers and technical staff to help deliver innovative projects that address current and emerging challenges facing irrigated horticulture.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities. We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries. It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation.

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions and Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Role Description for full details regarding the special conditions and requirements of the role, including employment screening, licensing, travel, work health and safety obligations, emergency management responsibilities, and operational equipment requirements.

Remuneration

OPS1 - $57,853 min - $63,695 max per annum, plus superannuation

Confidential Enquiries

Peter McGee Research Centre Manager - Loxton Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au