Technical Assistant - Horticulture

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Greater Shepparton; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Greater Shepparton VIC is seeking a Technical Assistant – Horticulture to support research projects at the Tatura SmartFarm. You will work with the team to explore management solutions for profitable and sustainable orchards under future climates.

The role focuses on tree water stress signatures during drought and innovative orchard designs, requiring practical orchard experience and knowledge of temperate fruit production.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in orchards and temperate fruit production is essential.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with a research team.
• Ability to contribute to field-based orchard management projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for Tatura SmartFarm research projects.
• Collaborate with the Agriculture Resources Sciences team and researchers.
• Research tree water stress signatures during drought and contribute to orchard design studies.
• Assist with delivering innovative orchard management solutions under supervision.

Skills

Practical orchard experience

Orchard management knowledge

Good oral communication

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Agricultural Sciences or equivalent

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Greater Shepparton VIC

The Technical Assistant – Horticulture within the Agriculture Resources Sciences branch will provide technical support for the delivery of research projects at the Tatura SmartFarm. The successful applicant will work closely with the team at Tatura and other researchers in the Agriculture Science and Technology division to explore innovative management solutions to make orchards more profitable and sustainability in future climates. Tree water stress signatures during drought, and innovative orchard designs will be the immediate projects that the successful applicant will work on under supervision. The position requires a person with practical experience in orchards and on a range of different activities. Knowledge on fruit tree agronomy as well as good oral communication abilities are valued. The successful applicant will be required to work under supervision.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate degree and/or experience in Agricultural Sciences, Science, or an equivalent science qualification.
• Sound knowledge of temperate fruit production.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 years. The work location for this position is Tatura SmartFarm.

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

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

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 23 November 2026.

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.