Field Research Officer

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Field Research Officer. Terms and conditions vacancy

• Research focused role
• Agricultural Cropping experience
• Victoria based

This is an opportunity to join a small enthusiastic research team who are science providers and project managers for cropping research projects across Australia. The successful applicant will be responsible for conducting field-based research programmes as well as assisting the team in the operation of projects nationwide. Specific training related to this role will be provided in the first year of employment.

The key responsibilities will involve:

• Conducting field research trials in Victoria and Western Australia under FAR management – including developing trial layouts, trial site preparation, assisting with sowing and harvest and application of nutrients and agrichemicals to trials.
• Sampling and assessment of trials according to protocol with support from the Research Manager  –  including plant and canopy development, soil nutrients and soil quality, disease, pest and weed incidence and severity, crop yield and quality assessments.

• Liaison with collaborating partners to ensure the best outcomes.  
• Assisting the research team with the collation and analysis of data generated.
• Operation of trials research equipment.
• Reviewing and reporting on trial operations.
• Collaborative planning of research trials, protocols, treatments and trial designs.

Other responsibilities will include:

• Effectively contributing to the small proactive FAR team (currently 5 in Australia and 24 staff in New Zealand) in the areas of cropping based agricultural science and extension.
• Working collaboratively with other industry partners to ensure the best research outcomes whilst maintaining the quality and integrity of the FAR research and extension standards.

The position will be based at FAR Australia’s main base in Inverleigh, near Geelong in southern Victoria, and will report to the Research Manager. The role will involve travel interstate and on occasions in New Zealand with periods of time away from home. FAR also have staff based in Canterbury, Waikato and Hawkes Bay regions of New Zealand.

Remuneration will be competitive and will be negotiated in relation to the skills and experience of the individual.

Experience / Qualifications

Practical experience in agriculture and or agricultural research would be beneficial. A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable as is an understanding of the Australian cropping industry, however, it is not essential for the appropriate candidate.

Relevant skills include:

• An understanding of the Australian agricultural industry.
• Enthusiasm and a positive ‘can do’ approach to challenges that require attention to detail.
• Sound work ethic and a desire to conduct field research working both indoors and outdoors. 
• Computer competency with the familiarity of MS Word & MS Excel.
• Ability to interpret experimental protocols and trial plans.
• A willingness and ability to collaborate with others in order to ensure the best field research outcomes.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A willingness to be proactive in assisting with field operations and data handling to ensure good results in the field.
• The skills required lend themselves to a candidate who has recently graduated in agricultural sciences, though this should not exclude others from applying.

If you are resident in Australia, have all relevant visa’s and are enthusiastic with a sound work ethic and a have desire to be involved in the detail of field research we would like to hear from you. Please submit your application and cv to Tracey Wylie, Foundation for Arable Research (Australia), 23 High St, Inverleigh, Australia, VIC 3321 or email to [email protected] Applications close on Wednesday 25th July 2018 at 5.00pm.