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Technical Officer - Cropping Systems (Tamworth Agricultural Institute)

PublishedPublished: Published yesterday
Technical Officer - Cropping Systems (Tamworth Agricultural Institute)

Job no: 509723
Work type: Temporary full-time
Location: Tamworth
Categories: Research and Analysis, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Natural and Physical Science, Primary Products

  • Temporary Full Time up to 30 April 2028
  • 35 hours per week
  • Primary Work Location:Tamworth Agricultural Institute (TAI), Calala
  • Classification: Technical Officer Grade 1/3- salary from$78,000 to $120,478per annum(FTE)plus super and leave loading-commensuratewith qualifications,skillsand experience

About the Role

In this role you will provide technical support to research projects conducted at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute. You will also be required to support field trials at other NSW DPIRD research sites including Narrabri (Australian Cotton Research Institute) and Breeza (Liverpool Plains Field Station), as well trials at Spring Ridge and Bellata. Further, you will be required to help conduct a regional survey of paddocks located within the Tamworth, Liverpool Plains and Narrabri Shire Council areas.

As part of this role, you will supervise technical staff to ensure work is completed safely, consistently and in line with protocols. This position requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders who share research facilities and resources, as well as landholders.

Your primary role will be to provide technical, administrative and scientific support to research projects focused on improving pulse production, with a focus on the associations that legumes form with beneficial microbes - rhizobia. Day-to-day activities will vary depending on the time of the season and will range from preparation and establishment of field trials, to soil/plant sample collection and assessment, to data entry and interpretation. You will be required to perform a variety of tasks ranging from operating heavy machinery to assessing plant samples in a laboratory. You will be joining a team of approximately ten people involved in pulse and cereal agronomy research.

The role will require regular travel to trial sites off-station and will include overnight stays.

About You

To be successful in this role, you must hold (essential requirement)

  • Qualifications in accordance with Part A-2 (xviii) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award
  • Current NSW Driver Licence
  • Ability and willingness to travel to remote locations, including overnight stays.

As our ideal candidate you will

  • Bring practical technical capability, strong organisational skills, strong administration and information technology skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • You will enjoy working outdoors, managing multiple priorities and contributing to high-quality research outcomes.
  • You will preferably have experience operating a wide variety of agricultural machinery including heavy-duty tractors and precision planters (as well as experience transporting machinery).
  • You will also be familiar with and proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite of programs and be able to collate and interpret agronomic data at a foundational level.

For a confidential discussion please contact hiring manager Tendo Mukasa Mugerwa, Research Officer Crop Nutrition on 0419 661 566 or email tendo.mukasa.mugerwa@dpird.nsw.gov.au

For further information about the role you can download a copy of the role description here

Why Join Us?

At DPIRD, we're committed to protecting and growing NSW's primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you'll:

  • Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity.
  • Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
  • Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

Applying is easy!

Please apply via our online portal and submit:

A CV (max. 4 pages)

A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining how your skills, experience and capabilities make you a strong fit for the role. Please also address the essential requirements listed in the role description.

Applications close: Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

After applying:

  • You'll receive a confirmation email
  • We'll review all applications once the ad closes
  • If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
  • Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, practical)
  • Reference checks will be completed for final candidates

Additional Information

  • The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.
  • A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.
  • The salary offered to the successful candidate will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award and the Technical Staff Merit Progression

About us - together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

  • Local Land Services
  • NSW Resources
  • Agriculture and Biosecurity
  • Fisheries and Forestry
  • Regional Development and Delivery.

With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.

Advertised: 10 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 22 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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