Farm Technician

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Hands-on role in cutting-edge agricultural research
• Support diverse farm and livestock operations
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s National Science Agency

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

There are many benefits to working at CSIRO, including generous leave conditions, standard working hours, 15.4% superannuation and other benefits give people the flexibility to achieve big things while still enjoying a balanced life.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity 

The Boorowa Agricultural Research Station (BARS), operated by CSIRO, is a state-of-the-art agricultural research farm in southern New South Wales. BARS focuses on developing Australian farms of the future by testing emerging science and technologies in crop science, agronomy, and farming systems.

The role of the Farm Technician is to conduct field trial management activities and farm operational activities and other technical support activities under direction from Research Station Manager. These activities include operation of farm machinery to establish, maintain and harvest field trials as well as conduct activities supporting farm crop and livestock operations at site. The Farm Technician will also contribute towards maintenance of farm machinery at site.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Conduct farm management duties supporting best practice management of farm trials, broader farm operations (cropping and livestock).
• Conduct field trial support activities including land preparation, fertiliser application, pesticide application and other activities using farm machinery and equipment according to safe work practise and consistent with farm operational plan.
• Conduct livestock management activities as required at station with a strong focus on animal welfare.
• Liaise closely with researchers to understand field trial service needs.
• Ensure site plant and equipment including farm machinery are maintained on site.
• Provide advice to researchers on set up of field trials to maximise efficiency and outcomes.
• Adhere to all compliance requirements with regard to managing a CSIRO research station i.e. NSW Department of Agriculture, Office of the Gene Technology Regulator and NSW Department of Water and local government authorities.

Role particulars

Location: Boorowa, NSW (relocation assistance may be available if required)

Salary: AU$73k - AU$93k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) + 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, Full-time          

Reference: 101660

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

• Diploma in Agriculture and/or equivalent relevant work experience in Agriculture
• Demonstrated direct work experience managing agricultural field research cropping and livestock trials according to leading practise.
• Experience in operating farm machinery (tractors, sprayers, harvesters).
• Experience in and knowledge of Digital Ag Technology (e.g. GPS guidance, field sensors, drones).
• A valid and current Australian driver’s licence.
• A demonstrated commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing of staff, willing to challenge the status quo in pursuit of Zero Harm.

Desirable criteria

• Heavy Vehicle Licence.
• Forklift Licence.

 
For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description. 

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Laura Mason via Careers.Online@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria of this role.

Applications close 

19 November 2025, 11:00pm AEDT