Industry Development & Extension Officer - Horticulture

• Driving innovation, growth and best practices in Tasmanian horticulture
• Collaborate with researchers and students to advance sustainable, profitable horticulture
• Full time, ongoing role based in Launceston

About the opportunity

This role sits within Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a joint venture between the Tasmanian Government (NRET) and the University of Tasmania that supports sustainable agricultural and food sectors through high-impact research, development, extension, and education.

The Industry Development and Extension Officer - Horticulture will work with a multidisciplinary team of horticulture researchers and students to contribute to the development and maintenance of sustainable and profitable horticultural industries through the provision of services or activities that stimulate, encourage and support development.

What you’ll do:

• Provide an extension contribution to a multidisciplinary team of scientists through learning activities that a target audience may need to evaluate the relative advantage of a practice and/or to de-risk a decision.
• Assist the on-farm adoption of new technology and improved practices that enhance profitable, sustainable horticultural production through the development and implementation of targeted extension programs.
• Develop relevant horticultural industry networks and maintain a high level of current knowledge on industry requirements.
• Work with the TIA research team, the TAS Farm Innovation Hub (the Hub) team and TIA communication team to prepare and disseminate information about relevant knowledge through a range of media.
• Report on current industry requirements for development and extension to TIA, Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRET) and other stakeholders as required.

What we’re looking for:

• High level understanding of horticultural production and commercial practices across the supply chain.
• Capacities to build and sustain industry knowledge and networks for definition of key challenges and opportunities that will lead to adoption of improved or better-informed practices.
• Demonstrated ability to apply contemporary extension methods in the design and/or delivery of projects involving research and/or other industry development activities.
• Effective liaison, negotiation and collaboration with industry stakeholders and project partners to build trust and encourage reciprocity.
• Demonstrated communication skills and outputs (e.g. reports, media) that convey information accurately and with appropriate interpretation, language and format for the target audience.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 6 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $113,029 comprising base salary within the range of $89,091 to $96,606 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience. You do not need to separately address the success criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Nigel Swarts, Principal Research Fellow / Centre Leader, Horticulture, [email protected] or 03 6226 2174.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

Position Description - 500899 - Industry Development & Extension Officer - Horticulture.pdf

Applications close Monday, 14 April 2025, 11.55pm