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Extension Officer (On-farm Research)
Crop and Food Science; Agri-Science Queensland; Agriculture; Toowoomba
Bring legacy to life. For the future of Queensland and the world.
As an Extension Officer (On-farm Research), you will work with an energetic team of research agronomists 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 | Toowoomba region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/676104/26 |
| Closing date | 02-Feb-2026 |
| Job duration | Until 31 March 2028 with possible extension |
| Contact person | Jayne Gentry |
| Contact details | Phone: 0428 459 138 Access the National Relay Service |
The opportunity:
As our Extension Officer (On-farm Research) you will:
• Work in a team of research, extension and technical officers in Goondiwindi, Toowoomba, Emerald and Mareeba 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.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of theoretically informed extension that facilitates learning and helps people consider the risks and rewards in their major decisions, such as nitrogen management, maintenance of soil health and their natural capital.
• Develop and apply knowledge and skills to co-design and co-deliver innovative participatory on-farm 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 in a safe and effective manner.
Technical Requirements of the role:
These roles are ideally suited to recent graduates who can develop their knowledge and skills with an experienced RDE team.
• A demonstrated willingness to learn, ‘get your hands dirty' and be part of a field based research team.
• 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.
• Ability to, or ability to rapidly acquire, 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.
You will have an ability and willingness to travel, including overnight, to service research sites.
What we are looking for:
There are some qualifications that we see as essential. You must possess a:
• A Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Applied Science, or Rural Science in a field relevant to the position from a recognised tertiary institution. Broadacre dryland crop research and extension experience is highly desirable.
• A current ‘C' class drivers licence (preferably manual) and desirably hold a truck licence.
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/676104/26
Closing Date: Monday, 02 February 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.
