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Principal Agricultural Economist
North Region; Rural Economic Development; Agriculture; Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Bundaberg, Rockhampton or Toowoomba
As our Principal Agricultural Economist, you will:
• Support the manager in leading the development of regional economic strategies and initiatives, with a specific focus on leading grazing and extensive agricultural economic services to ensure regional objectives are achieved to the highest standards.
• Lead the strategic analysis of issues of both state and regional importance using a range of economic approaches including cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, cost-effectiveness analysis, non-market valuation techniques and econometrics.
• Apply your strong understanding of agricultural production systems, with grazing experience considered desirable, and a proven ability to effectively communicate technical information and advice to a diverse range of stakeholders.
Just imagine what you could achieve with us. #DPIcareers #passionandpurpose
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Full-time |
| Occupational group | Economics & Statistics |
| Classification | PO5 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region,Toowoomba region,Wide Bay,Townsville region,Mackay region,Rockhampton region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/685415/26 |
| Closing date | 29-Apr-2026 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Mark Poggio |
| Contact details | Phone: 0428 105 109 Access the National Relay Service |
About the role
As our Principal Agricultural Economist, you will:
If regional economic strategies and initiatives designed to strengthen Queensland's agricultural sector and overall economy. This role will specifically focus on leading grazing and extensive agricultural economic services to ensure regional objectives are achieved to the highest standards.
• Lead the strategic analysis of issues of both state and regional importance using a range of economic approaches including cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, cost-effectiveness analysis, non-market valuation techniques and econometrics.
• Apply your strong understanding of agricultural production systems, with grazing experience considered desirable, and a proven ability to effectively communicate technical information and advice to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Provide support to the manager in overseeing a diverse portfolio of internally and externally funded projects across multiple commodities in Queensland. Responsibilities include developing project proposals, leading project execution, managing milestones and budgets, and ensuring that key research findings are clearly communicated and accurately reported.
• Develop and maintain high functioning key stakeholder relationships that successfully manages positive expectations, progresses business opportunities and creates efficiencies by representing the department as required, active participation on networks and reviewing associated engagements, resources and outcomes.
• Lead and mentor regional economists to foster a culture that values ongoing excellence in performance, customer service, continuous improvement and innovation in the delivery of high-quality services.
Essential requirements
• You will be required to undertake overnight travel to fulfil certain tasks. The role will require travel to regional areas.
What we are looking for
We are seeking the best suited candidate for the role. We will achieve this by:
• assessing your eligibility and suitability to fulfill the role requirements (including, where relevant, the way you carried out previous roles)
• evaluating your potential contributions to the department and how your involvement would uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.
Eligibility requirements
You will be asked to provide evidence of how you meet the eligibility requirements during the selection process.
Citizenship or visa requirements
To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be an Australian citizen, hold permanent residency status, or possess a visa allowing you to work in Australia.
If you are not an Australian citizen, you must:
• provide evidence of your residency status or visa, along with your right to work (including any conditions and/or restrictions
• inform the department if your right to work in Australia ceases.
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
Find purpose you feel, impact you see and a legacy you bring to life.
This position is available in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Bundaberg, Rockhampton or Toowoomba, please indicate your location preference for this role on your application.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
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.
