Irrigation Extension Officer

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Mildura; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC in Mildura, VIC is seeking an agricultural extension specialist to lead irrigation projects. You will work with a skilled team to develop and implement best practice irrigation systems and support groundwater monitoring across the North Central CMA region.

Hybrid work arrangements are available, with travel required and a fixed-term appointment to 30 June 2028.

Qualifications

• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Case manage irrigation projects in the North Central Catchment, including planning and development of best practice farm irrigation systems.
• Ensure irrigation modernisation projects are implemented as part of a whole farm systems approach and work in areas including salinity management, agriculture technology and irrigation system selection.
• Manage groundwater monitoring program across the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region in collaboration with the North Central CMA.
• Develop expertise through formal and on-the-job training opportunities within a state-wide team.

Skills

Driver's Licence

Water management knowledge

Extension principles

Group facilitation

Technology software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management

Bachelor's degree in Science

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC - Mildura VIC

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.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

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.