Livestock Industry Development Officer

The Livestock Industry Development Officer will deliver targeted extension services, technical advice and industry engagement activities that accelerate the adoption of evidence-based practices, technologies and innovations across sheep, beef and mixed farming businesses in South-West Victoria.

The role supports improvements in farm productivity, profitability, resilience and sustainability by working collaboratively with producers, service providers, industry groups and regional stakeholders to build trusted relationships, facilitate producer group learning, and translate research, benchmarking and technical information into practical on-farm outcomes.  The position requires a high level of technical expertise in sheep and beef production systems, including livestock management, pasture and grazing systems, nutrition, feedbase management, farm business resilience, natural resource management (including water and soils), and emerging industry technologies.

This expertise is used to provide credible, independent and evidence-based information and advice, support informed decision-making, and assist producers to adapt to changing climatic, market and operating conditions. The role supports producer engagement, benchmarking, practice change and capability development through workshops, field days, producer groups, demonstration activities and industry partnerships. Through strong regional and industry relationships, the position provides industry intelligence, identifies emerging opportunities and risks, supports innovation uptake, and assists livestock businesses to respond to climate variability, biosecurity threats, emergency response and recovery, and broader agricultural system challenges.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics is mandatory for this position. Other related Science or Business Degrees may be considered.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 years. The work location for this position is Flexible within South-West Victoria 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 Thursday, 1 October 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.