Jobs and Careers

Industry Extension Officer - Irrigation

• Provide industry feedback to a multidisciplinary team to achieve the on-ground adoption of improvements in irrigation practices
• Collaborate with our team to engage the agricultural industry, exploring the impact of irrigation on Tasmania’s agricultural soils
• Part time(0.5FTE) 3 years fixed term role based in Launceston

About the opportunity

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is committed to delivering sustainable outcomes for Tasmania and the world. The Industry Extension Officer - Irrigation will support a three-year research program to boost sustainability and profitability for Tasmanian farmers through the efficient use of irrigation.

This role sits within Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a joint venture between the Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania that supports sustainable agricultural and food sectors through high-impact research, development, extension, and education. The Industry Extension Officer - Irrigation will work with a multidisciplinary team and assist in ensuring that this novel irrigation research initiative engages fully with industry stakeholders.

This role is about facilitating the uptake of new innovations on-farm/at local level, focusing on best practice irrigation management to enhance irrigation performance, efficiency and sustainability. The Industry Extension Officer - Irrigation will be encouraged to develop advanced extension skills and to build industry networks in the agricultural and food industries.

What you’ll do:

• Provide industry feedback to a multidisciplinary team of scientists to achieve the on-ground adoption of improvements in irrigation practices that lead to greater irrigation efficiency and sustainability (reduction in water logging and crop losses, improvement in soil health).
• Assist the team in engaging industry with demonstration trials, and investigating the impact of irrigation on Tasmania’s agricultural soils
• Work with the TIA and Hub communication teams to prepare and disseminate information about relevant knowledge through a range of media (e.g., social media, face-to-face events)
• Work closely with colleagues both within TIA, the Tasmanian Farm innovation Hub and UTAS, and with external stakeholders including the Industry Development Extension Community of Practice, to achieve the awareness, understanding and adoption of improved irrigation practices.
• Assist the research team in guiding farmers to relevant information and tools, helping translate the knowledge of others to support on-farm adoption and by explaining the benefits of implementing efficient and effective irrigation to achieve climate resilience.

What we’re looking for:

• Demonstrated capacity to undertake on-farm/local level extension and adoption activities.
• Ability to co-operate with others to achieve organisational and project objectives and to build trust and reciprocity.
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop productive relationships with a diverse range of collaborators.
• Strategy into Action: Able to set, operationalise and activate strategy into specific actions, timelines and responsibilities to enable the University to deliver on key strategic goals.
• Self Awareness and Interpersonal Skills: Recognises and regulates emotions and behaviour in the work context and effectively builds relationships with others to create a collaborative and empowering environment that enables people to achieve and thrive.
• Holistic Decision Making: Able to form sound judgements based on all available information, considering the potential impacts of decisions from a broad range of perspectives before taking definitive action.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 5 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $102,190 comprising base salary within the range of $78,210 to $87,342 pro rata plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the Role Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience.
• For further information about this position, please contact Nigel Swarts, Principal Research Fellow / Centre Leader, nigel.swarts@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 2174.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 500337 - Industry Extension Officer - Irrigation.pdf

Applications close Thursday, 17 October 2024, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role.