Technical Officer

Department of Primary Industries; Queensland; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Primary Industries is seeking a Technical Officer to support senior agronomists in Mareeba and Cloncurry, and to help plan and conduct RD&E for the North Queensland initiative. You will monitor crops, apply field treatments, and collect samples to assess crop performance and soil health while coordinating with farmers and interstate co-operators.

You will supervise field operations, manage data collection, and contribute to project reports and extension publications under the

Qualifications

• Diploma in Applied Science, Rural Science, or Rural Techniques or equivalent.
• Current 'C' class driver’s licence (manual preferred); truck licence desirable.
• Experience in planning and conducting RD&E in agriculture is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to Senior Research Agronomist and participate in RD&E planning in North Queensland.
• Monitor crops and apply field treatments (fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides) per best practices.
• Collect and prepare soil, plant and water samples for analysis from field trials.
• Supervise field operations and data collection.
• Prepare project reports, extension publications and research papers for clients and funding bodies.
• Coordinate with DPI staff, farmers and co-operators across Queensland.

Skills

Emerging issues in farming systems

Practical agronomic knowledge

Stakeholder engagement & communication

Operate farm equipment safely

Education

Diploma in Applied Science/Rural Science/Rural Techniques

Job description

The OpportunityAs our Technical Officer, you will:- Provide technical support to the Senior Research Agronomist in Mareeba, and Research Agronomists in Cloncurry and actively participate in the planning, organising and conduct RD&E to deliver the 'Unlocking Farming Systems for North Queensland Initiative' which is a strategic partnership between CRDC, GRDC and DPI.- Assume responsibility for the planning and conduct project activities that drive productive, profitable, and resilient cropping farming systems in Northern Queensland (NQ). Specific duties will include: monitoring crops and implementing field treatments that include fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides in accordance with best management practice, and collecting and preparing soil, plant, and water samples including plant biomass, grain, soil, and other samples for analysis from field trials to characterise aspects of crop performance, soil health and farming system sustainability.- Work in a team and collaborate with and support research agronomists and farmers to co-ordinate and conduct research in local farming systems.- Liaise and co-ordinate project activities with commercial, departmental and interstate co-operators.- Undertake and supervise field operations to support the RD&E program, including the use of mechanical equipment for the planting, growing, and harvesting operations in remote environments.- Actively participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team, building effective working relationships.- Supervise operational staff including field operation activities (see above) and the collection of samples and field data.- Check and summarise experimental data in preparation for statistical analysis and communicate them to the responsible scientist.- Assist in the compilation of material for project reports, extension publications and research papers for departmental, commercial clients and funding bodies.- Participate in local planning within the Farming Systems Innovation Team and liaise with DPI district/regional agronomists, technical staff, research station staff and farmer co-operators to support other research projects in across Queensland.Technical Requirements of the Role:- Knowledge of, of emerging issues in modern farming systems in Northern Queensland and challenges for profitability and sustainability of natural resources in the region.- Practical agronomic knowledge of grain and cotton production systems, including the collection and management of agronomic, soil and crop performance data.- Well-developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills.- Demonstrated ability to safely operate farm equipment.What we are looking for (qualifications, registrations, experience)There are some qualifications that we see as essential. You must possess a:- Diploma in Applied Science, Rural Science, or Rural Techniques from a recognised tertiary institution, or equivalent qualifications in a field relevant to the position.- Current 'C' class drivers licence (preferably manual), and desirably hold a truck licenceWhy work for usLearn why our people choose DPI and more importantly why they stay.- Work with passion and purpose- Have a tangible impact, for today and tomorrow- Enjoy interesting, diverse work- Follow your path wherever it leads- Get the flexibility and support you need to thrive- Be part of our united DPIFind purpose you feel, impact you see and a legacy you bring to life.Join us and be a part of preserving Queensland's agricultural landscape.Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au to learn more about us and what we do.Applications to remain current for 12 months.Job Ad Reference: QLD/706926/26Closing Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.