Jobs and Careers

• Drive targeted industry development and extension initiatives
• Collaborate with government, industry, and project partners
• Full time, ongoing role based in Launceston

About the opportunity

The Horticulture Industry Lead supports the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture’s (TIA) Horticulture Centre to enhance the sustainability and profitability of Tasmanian producers by ensuring research is effectively translated into practice. Working with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and students, the role leads targeted extension and industry engagement activities that stimulate sector development and strengthen adoption pathways. It facilitates the uptake of new technologies and best-practice horticultural approaches, contributing to improved efficiency, resilience and long-term sustainability. The role will also develop advanced extension capabilities and build strong networks across Tasmania’s horticultural industries.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the design and delivery of targeted industry development and extension activities.
• Coordinate complex, multi-project program activities by developing and monitoring work plans, ensuring milestones are met, and maintaining strategic integration.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and improved practices through well-designed extension programs, developing new approaches to address complex industry challenges.
• Build and maintain strong industry, government and research partnerships.
• Develop and deliver high-quality reports, strategic advice, and communication resources to support program governance, demonstrate impact, and align with stakeholder requirements.

What we’re looking for:

• High level understanding of horticultural production and commercial practices across the supply chain.
• Experience in program coordination activities such as planning and tracking progress, supporting project leads, and ensuring integration across workstreams
• Proven track record in building and sustaining industry knowledge and networks for definition of key challenges and opportunities that will lead to adoption of improved or better-informed practices.
• Demonstrated ability to apply contemporary extension methods in the design and/or delivery of projects involving research and/or other industry development activities.
• Effective skills to liaison, negotiate, communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders and project partners.
• Completion of a recognised undergraduate degree in Agricultural Science or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution, or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Australian Drivers Licence.
• Tasmanian Registration for Working with Vulnerable People or the willingness to obtain.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 7 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $130,943 comprising base salary within the range of $101,821 to $111,917 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 success profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact Nigel Swarts, Principal Research Fellow at: nigel.swarts@utas.edu.au
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 501905 - Horticulture Industry Lead.pdf

Applications close Monday, 19 January 2026, 11.55pm

 The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.