Agriculture Recovery Officer

The Agriculture Recovery Officer will be a central point of support for bushfire affected farming communities across the region. Working closely with Agriculture Victoria specialists, local producers and regional partners, you will help ensure farmers can access timely, practical and locally relevant recovery assistance. Grounded in Agriculture Victoria’s place-based approach, this role strengthens the connection between community priorities and the design and delivery of recovery services, using local knowledge, technical expertise and recovery experience, to tailor support to fire impacted districts and farming communities. Based in the region and working across surrounding areas, the role delivers targeted recovery initiatives in partnership with teams across Agriculture Services, including technical workshops, community events, webinars and the development of tailored farm management resources that support producers to rebuild, adapt and improve long-term resilience. As a trusted local contact, you will coordinate regional activities, respond to on the ground enquiries, guide landholders to appropriate services and maintain strong, proactive engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders across the region. The ideal candidate will have strong agricultural knowledge, is flexible and adaptable with excellent organisation and communication skills, and proven experience collaborating and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in agricultural science, science, natural resource management or a related discipline is preferred, and relevant experience in a similar role will be highly regarded.
• An understanding of farm business risk in the context of natural disaster impacts and recovery is highly regarded.
• Experience in the use of on-line platforms such as MS Teams, Zoom and Microsoft Office Suite is required.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. The work location for this position is flexible within Ararat, Ballarat, Warrnambool or Horsham with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 25 March 2026. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.