Irrigation Extension Officer

The Irrigation Extension Officer role will support the Goulburn Broken Irrigation Team to achieve practice change by working directly with irrigators and managing key relationships with industry, partner agencies and stakeholders. The role will deliver on the objectives of the Sustainable Irrigation Program and contribute to a range of irrigation efficiency outcomes across the Goulburn Broken catchment. As an Irrigation Extension Officer, you will have the opportunity to grow your career in agricultural service delivery role, working with a supportive team of technical experts that span a diverse range of agri-sectors and stakeholder groups. It is the perfect opportunity to quickly develop connections and build upon your technical knowledge of irrigated agriculture in a supportive environment. In this role you will work with irrigators in the Goulburn Broken Catchment to plan and implement best practice farm irrigation systems. The position will ensure irrigation efficiency projects are developed as part of a whole farm systems approach and you will work across a range of areas including salinity management, agriculture technology and appropriate irrigation system selection. The role involves a mix of office and field-based work and would suit someone looking to further develop their experience in irrigation management and service delivery.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, Science or an equivalent science qualification.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the agriculture sector in Victoria and a strong understanding of the importance of irrigated agriculture. Sound knowledge of Natural Resource Management issues as they relate to irrigated agriculture.
• Sound project planning, coordination, and evaluation skills with a demonstrated ability to work across a wide range of disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and promote cooperative working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to ensure efficient service delivery through teamwork.
• Prominent level of communication and interpersonal skills, including well developed written and verbal skills and experience in extension and group facilitation.
• Demonstrated time management and project planning skills, self-starter who can work within a team, and has a willingness to learn.
• Ability to use of a range of technology/software applications and interest in further developing skills in this area.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2028. The work location for this position is Tatura, Echuca or Rutherglen 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.

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Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 17 September 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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.