Research Assistant in Agriculture - Trainee

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The opportunity

• Get Hands-On with Agricultural Science and lead the way in Cotton Research
• Work with a collaborative research team that promotes a flexible work environment
• Launch Your Agriculture Career at CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency!

Research Projects staff in CSIRO collaborate in scientific activities with other research staff usually by assisting with experimental and observational work as well as supporting the detailed planning of these operations, carrying out the more practical aspects of the work.

This position would be part of the CSIRO Cotton Breeding Group located at Myall Vale, Narrabri. The research group aims to develop new cotton varieties for the Australian cotton industry. 

This role will assist the Breeding Group in general field and greenhouse operations and maintenance, sampling experiments, processing samples, and sowing & harvesting cotton experiments at Myall Vale, as well as a number of other regionally located sites in NSW and QLD.

The ‘Trainee Research Assistant in Agriculture’ is an exciting role for candidates who are entering the job market, as it does not require existing qualifications or significant experience. 

Your duties will include:

• Successfully completing a Certificate III in Agriculture, including attending six 1-week intensive schools at Tocal College, Paterson NSW. 
• Assist with planting, weeding, and maintaining field experiments, with flexibility to travel to sites during cotton planting and harvest.
• Help with harvesting, ginning, delinting, and processing experiments at the Australian Cotton Research Institute and district sites.
• Actively participate as a team member in the CSIRO cotton breeding program, supporting various operations.
• Work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary, regional research team to support scientific research objectives.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with staff, clients, and suppliers, ensuring good business practices and CSIRO's positive reputation.
• Other duties as directed

Location: Myall Vale (Narrabri), NSW

Salary: AU$59k-$71k pa + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified Term of 13 months, full-time

Reference: 98557

To be considered you will need:

• A current Australian driver’s licence.
• The ability to lift, bend, walk and undertake repetitive motions and the ability to undertake manual handling and operate equipment safely in accordance with Health and Safety Procedures.
• The ability to encourage safe work practices within a team environment.
• The desire and enthusiasm to undertake a Certificate III in Agriculture whilst working in an agricultural research setting. 
• The ability and willingness to work in harsh and adverse conditions whilst maintaining health and safety requirements.
• Capability in working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and carry out tasks under the direction of Scientific Researchers.
• Willingness and ability to travel to remote sites at short notice during cotton planting and harvest.
• Competence in computer operation and an understanding of data collection.

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 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

Wednesday 29th January 2025, 11:00pm AEDT