Field Technician - Agronomy and Farming Systems

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The opportunity

• ​​​​​​Implement agronomic experiments & manage data and records
• Be part of a research team improving the sustainability & productivity of farming systems
• Join CSIRO - Agriculture and Food and make a difference!

CSIRO Agriculture and Food’s Systems research program is a world-leading research group examining options to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture in Australia and around the globe. We are seeking a self-motivated individual to join the CSIRO Black Mountain in Canberra and utilise facilities both there and at CSIRO’s Boorowa Agricultural Research Station west of Canberra to support its field-based research activities.

As the successful candidate, you can choose to be based in Canberra or CSIRO’s Boorowa Agricultural Research Station west of Canberra and primarily support the ongoing management and implementation of various field-based farming systems experiments mainly located in southern NSW. 

The position will initially be offered as a 3-year contract, but with prospects of longer tenure. You will implement complex agricultural experiments, manage data, implement new and novel digital approaches and understand farming systems.

Your duties will include:

• Assist in implementing complex farming systems and agronomic experimentation.
• Assisting with agricultural management of crops (e.g. spraying, sowing, slashing, harvesting, monitoring) and experimental site management and using agreed protocols to collect soil & plant samples and prepare these for analysis.
• Assisting with the management of livestock grazing experimental plots of dual-purpose crops and pastures.
• Maintain, compile and store experimental data according to the required protocols

Location: Canberra, ACT and Boorowa, NSW

*Salary: AU$73k - AU$109k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years / Full-time

Reference: 99056

* This position is offered across two CSOF levels and the appointment level will be determined by the qualifications, skills and relevant experience of the successful candidate.

To be considered you will need:

• A relevant trade certificate/diploma/bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in agricultural science or similar.
• Experience with agronomy and management (e.g. spraying, sowing, slashing and harvesting) of a variety of crops, particularly those grown in southern temperature mixed farming systems (cereals, oilseeds, pulses).
• Demonstrated experience with implementation and management of agronomic experiments and protocols including accurately managing data and records of varying types, basic data manipulation, presentation and analysis and basic report writing.
• Demonstrated ability in aspects of project management such as scheduling, monitoring and completing tasks on time coupled with the ability to prioritise tasks/projects to achieve project goals.
• Good oral and written communication skills coupled with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, motivation to carry out autonomous activities, and problem-solving skills, often at remote locations.
• A current class C driver’s licence.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

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

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

20 March 2025, 11:00pm AEDT