Irrigation Extension Officer

Agriculture Victoria; Kerang; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is offering a fixed-term role in Kerang, Victoria, with hybrid work arrangements. You will case manage irrigation projects, develop best practice irrigation systems, and contribute to groundwater monitoring in the North Central region as part of a supportive technical team.

Ideal candidates hold a relevant degree, a current drivers licence, and experience in extension principles.

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, or equivalent.
• Current Drivers Licence with travel requirement.
• Understanding of Victoria's agriculture sector and irrigated agriculture.
• Ability to use technology/software and interest in expanding these skills.

Responsibilities

• Case manage irrigation projects in the North Central Catchment; plan and develop best practice farm irrigation systems.
• Ensure irrigation modernisation as part of a whole farm systems approach; work in salinity management and agri-technology.
• Oversee groundwater monitoring across the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region in collaboration with the North Central CMA.
• Develop expertise in irrigation management and extension through formal and on-the-job training; work in a statewide team.

Skills

Driver's Licence

Agriculture sector knowledge

Tech literacy

Extension principles

Education

Agricultural/Natural Resource Management degree

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

This role provides a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to establish a career in agricultural extension, working with a supportive team of technical experts spanning a diverse range of Agri-sectors and stakeholders. It's the perfect opportunity to quickly develop connections and grow your technical knowledge of agriculture in a supportive environment.

In this role you case manage irrigation projects in the North Central Catchment including the planning and development of best practice farm irrigation systems. The position will ensure irrigation modernisation projects are implemented as part of a whole farm systems approach and you will work in a range of areas including salinity management, agriculture technology and appropriate irrigation system selection. The role involves a mix of office and field-based work and would suit someone looking to develop expertise in irrigation management and extension.

A key component of the role is managing the groundwater monitoring program across the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region in collaboration with the North Central CMA.

As a member of a supportive and experienced team working across northern Victoria, you will be well supported to build on your technical knowledge of irrigation and agriculture extension to manage projects and develop your knowledge and skills through formal and on the job training opportunities. Working as part of a state-wide team there are also opportunities to further develop your career and knowledge of different farming systems through this strong collaborative network.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Current Drivers Licence. This position has a requirement to travel.
• An appropriate tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, Science or an equivalent science qualification.
• Understanding of the agriculture sector in Victoria and the importance of irrigated agriculture.
• Ability to use of a range of technology/software applications and interest in further developing these skills.
• Knowledge of extension principles and practices and adult learning needs, including group facilitation.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2028. The work location for this position is Kerang, with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.