• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Location: Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station.
• Competitive salary from $73,522 - $113,562 p.a. + superannuation (Technical Officer Grade 1-3)

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers. 

About Us

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

  The department brings together:

• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• NSW Resources
• Local Land Services
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

About the Role

The Technical Officer provides technical assistance to the research officer in trial operations and management of various crops. It also assists in the day-to-day running of research projects and supervising technical staff employed to support research work.

What will my day look like?
Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Working as a team member of a wider group and communicate with other Unit staff based across NSW.
• Coordinating and managing field crop trials in central NSW, including selecting trial sites, sowing trials, applying pesticides throughout the season and harvesting the trials.
• Supervising technical assistants to help with trial management through the winter cropping season.
• Being able to confidently operate field equipment such as tractors, experimental plot seeders, Boom sprays, drive trucks, and operate plot harvesters.
• Collecting and recording trial data according research protocols.
• Preparing research reports.
• Communicating with growers and other industry personnel.

You will be challenged to:

• Manage various field trials associated with research projects
• Manage, collect and accurately record research data and information
• Organise and conduct field sample collections, ensuring consistency and quality in sample evaluation from replicated trials
• Operate and maintain key field equipment and databases, and purchase consumables as required
• Maintain work health and safety (WHS) and quality management systems
• Comply with work standards according to the level of appointment in the Technical Officer Merit Progression Guidelines.

What You’ll Need to be Successful and Enjoy This Role:

• Knowledge and skills in dryland farming systems and agronomic practices
• Able to plan, sow, manage and harvest replicated trials to provide reliable and consistent data
• Be able to work with minimal supervision and in a team environment to complete tasks within set time frames,
• Superior organisational skills to prioritise multiple tasks, adhere to schedules and manage and collate data
• Proven reliability and the ability to work extended hours as required
• Project management skills and experience, including the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver results
• Be willing to obtain a HR truck licence.

Essential requirements

• Qualifications in accordance with Part 2(xvii) of the Crown Employees (Department of Trade and Investment) Technical Staff Award
• Current NSW driver’s licence

🔗 Click here to view the full role description

💬 For further information about this vacancy please contact:

Peter Matthews, Technical Specialist Grain Services

0427 007 395 or peter.matthews@dpi.nsw.gov.au

👉 How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online.  Attach an up-to-date resume (max 5 pages) and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) that briefly outlines how you meet the requirements of the role description and why you’re our ideal candidate.

Applications close on Thursday, 15 May 2025, at 11:55pm

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages. 

The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process. 

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion. 

Additional Information

The salary offered to the successful candidate will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award and the Technical Staff Merit Progression Guidelines.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months