Agricultural Scientist

Rural Funds Management Limited; Rockhampton Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE daily transport from Rockhampton,

Job summary

Rural Funds Management is seeking an Agricultural Scientist to join the Farming Support Group in Gogango, Queensland. The role focuses on macadamia development, field monitoring and data-driven decision making to improve orchard performance.

You will work with agricultural scientists, farm managers and operations to turn field observations into practical recommendations that enhance profitability and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Agricultural Science or similar qualification.
• Knowledge of agronomy with experience in Queensland agriculture or similar climate.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and research methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Regional Farming Support Manager, you will support monitoring, research and technical activities across RFM's macadamia operations.
• You will manage permanent sample plot (PSP) sites and install, maintain and monitor electronic sensors.
• Collect, collate, analyse, report and present accurate field and production data.
• Monitor critical orchard parameters including water use, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease levels, tree structure and pruning, fruit yield and quality, and soil structure, fertility and moisture.
• Collect and coordinate soil, leaf or tissue and water samples, maintaining sound sampling protocols, data integrity and traceability.
• Provide evidence-based technical advice and practical recommendations to farm managers and operational teams.
• Assist with the design, implementation and evaluation of research and development trials aimed at improving profitability and sustainability.
• Develop, operate and maintain precision agriculture platforms, including ground-truthing data when required.
• Monitor seasonal and environmental factors affecting orchard performance and support mitigation planning.
• Develop and refine monitoring, data collection and reporting procedures to improve operational efficiency.
• Work with analysts and accountants to strengthen financial and non-financial analysis of macadamia operations.
• Provide on-ground operational support during peak periods, including harvest, as required.
• Uphold safety, environmental and equal opportunity standards and contribute to a respectful, collaborative and productive workplace.

Skills

Agronomy knowledge

Statistical analysis

Technical reporting

Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Communication skills

Self-motivated, team-oriented

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor of Agricultural Science or similar

Tools

Electronic sensors

Precision agriculture platforms

Job description

• Location 1486 Thirsty Creek Road,Gogango, QLD, 4702,Australia


• Base Pay $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 / Year


• Employee Type Full-Time

Contact information

• Contact Name Kristina Smith


• Contact Phone [phone]


• Contact Email [e-mail]

Description

We are seeking an Agricultural Scientist to join our Farming Support Group, supporting our macadamia developments and operations at Gogango, Queensland.

This role offers the opportunity to build broad, practical knowledge of macadamia production while contributing to field monitoring, research and development, precision agriculture and evidence-based decision making. Working closely with agricultural scientists, farm managers and operational teams, you will help turn field observations and data into practical recommendations that improve orchard performance, profitability and sustainability.

The role would suit an early-career agricultural professional with one to two years’ experience, Candidates with strong technical capability, curiosity and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Regional Farming Support Manager, you will support monitoring, research and technical activities across RFM's macadamia operations.

You will:

• Manage permanent sample plot (PSP) sites and install, maintain and monitor electronic sensors.


• Collect, collate, analyse, report and present accurate field and production data.


• Monitor critical orchard parameters including water use, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease levels, tree structure and pruning, fruit yield and quality, and soil structure, fertility and moisture.


• Collect and coordinate soil, leaf or tissue and water samples, maintaining sound sampling protocols, data integrity and traceability.


• Provide evidence-based technical advice and practical recommendations to farm managers and operational teams.


• Assist with the design, implementation and evaluation of research and development trials aimed at improving profitability and sustainability.


• Develop, operate and maintain precision agriculture platforms, including ground-truthing data when required.


• Monitor seasonal and environmental factors affecting orchard performance and support mitigation planning.


• Develop and refine monitoring, data collection and reporting procedures to improve operational efficiency.


• Work with analysts and accountants to strengthen financial and non-financial analysis of macadamia operations.


• Provide on-ground operational support during peak periods, including harvest, as required.


• Uphold safety, environmental and equal opportunity standards and contribute to a respectful, collaborative and productive workplace.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Agricultural Technology or a similar qualification.


• Knowledge of agronomy, with experience in Queensland agriculture or a similar climate considered an advantage.


• Competence in statistical analysis, research methods and interpreting technical information.


• Proficiency with agricultural technology and the ability to confidently adopt new systems and tools.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical findings clearly to operational stakeholders.


• Competence using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.


• Good attention to detail, sound interpersonal skills and a self-motivated, team-oriented approach.


• The ability to work remotely and unsupervised when required.


• Preparedness to travel regularly to remote sites and city offices.

This is an opportunity to develop your agricultural science career while contributing to a growing, professionally managed macadamia operation.

You will benefit from:

• A base salary of $80,000 to $90,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.


• Practical exposure to commercial-scale macadamia production, field research and precision agriculture.


• Support and guidance from experienced agricultural scientists, agronomists, farming managers and the broader Farming Support Team.


• Varied work across monitoring, trials, data analysis, technical advice and on-ground orchard operations.


• The opportunity to contribute directly to more productive and sustainable farming practices.


• A friendly, safety-focused and collaborative workplace.


• FREE daily transport from Rockhampton, Gracemere, Stanwell and Westwood.

Appointment to the role is subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, which may include medical screening, reference checks and right to work verification.

About Rural Funds Management

Rural Funds Management (RFM) is an industry leader managing approximately $2.7 billion in agricultural assetson behalf of retail and institutional investors, including the ASX-listed Rural Funds Group (RFF). We haveover 29 years' experience owning, developing, and operatingfarmsin most Australian states.

At RFM, our culture is built on the core principle of 'Managinggoodassets withgoodpeople.' We believe in being precise, offering variety, rewarding effort, and providing afriendly workplace.

Joining RFM means becoming part of a dedicated team of over 260 professionals, including fund managers, finance experts, horticulturists, agronomists, and farm managers.Whether you are seeking a corporate or operational role, RFM has a place for individuals who are passionate about agriculture and finance.