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Research Agronomist (On-farm Research)
Crop and Food Science; Agri-Science Queensland; Agriculture; Mareeba
Bring legacy to life. For the future of Queensland and the world.
As a Research Agronomist (On-farm Research), you will work with an energetic team of research and extension officers in the Farming Systems Innovation team to assess new farming systems and practices on farms and help growers and agronomists to implement the best of these practices on their farms.
Just imagine what you could achieve with us. #passionandpurpose #DPIcareers
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Primary Industry & Environment |
| Classification | PO2 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region,Far North Qld |
| Job ad reference | QLD/684740/26 |
| Closing date | 22-Apr-2026 |
| Job duration | Until 30 June 2028 with possible extension |
| Contact person | Grant Cutler |
| Contact details | Ph: 0448 601 842 Access the National Relay Service |
The opportunity:
As a PO2 Research Agronomist (On-farm Research) you will:
• Work in a team of research, extension and technical officers in Mareeba, Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Emerald and who undertake a wide portfolio of projects across Queensland.
• Develop an understanding of Queensland farming systems and the factors that drive profitability, productivity, and sustainability.
• Develop and apply knowledge and skills to co-design and co-deliver innovative onfarm research that is both rigorous and relevant to the future challenges faced by Queensland grain growers.
• Develop skills 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 with team members to develop and deliver communication and extension activities that help growers and agronomists understand research results, their implications, and how to subsequently apply improved practices on their farms.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships and develop empathy with regional grain growers, industry representatives and key research providers and use effective communication approaches to achieve project outcomes.
• Support other Farming System Innovation team projects and activities and contribute to a Departmental culture of achievement and delivering quality outcomes n a safe and effective manner.
Please note this role requires out of hours work, travel, weekend work and remote work to service research sites in northern Queensland.
Technical Requirements of the role:
• A demonstrated willingness to learn, ‘get your hands dirty' and be part of a fieldbased research team that collaborates closely with growers and agronomists across Queensland.
• An understanding of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, broadacre Queensland crop production systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and empathy with farmers and agronomists
• Ability to help plan, develop and deliver extension activities to grain growers across central and/or southern Queensland depending on the negotiated location of the appointment.
• An understanding of, or ability to rapidly acquire, knowledge and skills to conduct field trials on commercial grain farms and support growers to implement on-farm research and improve farming practices.
• Experience in, or ability to develop skills to collect and prepare soil, plant and water samples.
• Experience in, or ability to develop effective communication skills, and use participatory methods to work with regional grain growers.
What we are looking for:
There are some qualifications that we see as essential. You must possess a:
• A Bachelor degree or higher in Agricultural Science, Applied Science or Rural Science in a field relevant to the position from a recognised tertiary institution. Tropical broadacre cropping production experience is highly desirable.
• A current ‘C' class drivers licence.
• Physical requirements of the role include standing, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, sitting, twisting, climbing, working outdoors.
Why work for us:
Learn 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 one, diverse DPI.
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/684740/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
