Research & Extension Coordinator – Agronomy

We are seeking a Research & Extension Coordinator – Agronomy to lead and coordinate our cropping research and extension activities and support the delivery of high-quality trials and projects across multiple regions.

About the role

This role provides technical and operational leadership for SFS’s cropping research and extension program. You will oversee agronomy-focused research staff, coordinate trial delivery from planning through to reporting, and ensure projects are completed safely, on time and within budget.

The position suits an experienced agronomy or research professional who enjoys working across field operations, people leadership, project coordination and extension with growers.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & coordination

• Oversee and support Senior Research & Extension Officers and Research & Extension Officers working in cropping and agronomy
• Contribute to recruitment, mentoring and development of staff, including seasonal casuals
• Provide input into operational logistics and workforce planning

Research & trial delivery

• Coordinate the planning, implementation and management of cropping trials and projects
• Ensure agronomic inputs are applied efficiently and aligned with key agronomic timings
• Conduct trial site inspections and quality assurance
• Manage reco administration and trial documentation

Project & operational management

• Work closely with the General Manager, Operations team and regional managers to coordinate sowing, spraying, harvest and in-season activities
• Lead project tasks and budgets with support from senior management and consultants
• Manage project expenditure in line with organisational authority guidelines
• Contribute to internal progress reporting for management and the Board

Extension & engagement

• Help plan and deliver extension activities including field days, workshops and grower events
• Support the development and adoption of new practices with growers and advisers
• Build partnerships with farming systems groups, research organisations and industry stakeholders
• Professionally represent SFS at meetings, workshops and events (including occasional interstate travel)

About you

You are an organised, practical and people-focused agronomy professional with experience delivering applied research and extension. You enjoy working in the field, coordinating teams, and translating research into practice.

Essential experience & knowledge

• Experience planning, coordinating or delivering agricultural research and extension in mixed or broadacre farming systems
• Sound knowledge of crop and pasture agronomy and trial plot management
• Ability to manage staff, projects, timelines and budgets
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with growers and stakeholders

Qualifications & requirements

• Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) or willingness to obtain
• Unencumbered driver licence
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience (highly regarded)

Skills & attributes

• Team leadership, mentoring and motivation
• Practical problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Intermediate to high-level Microsoft Office skills
• Alignment with SFS values of integrity, accountability, leadership, innovation, responsiveness, impartiality and respect
• Commitment to health, safety, environmental stewardship and quality systems

Why join Southern Farming Systems?

• Work with a respected, farmer-led organisation delivering real-world agronomic impact
• Be involved in diverse, high-quality cropping trials across multiple regions
• Collaborate with growers, researchers, advisers and industry partners
• Enjoy a role that blends agronomy, people leadership and extension
• Negotiated salary based on experience and qualifications

• Professional Growth: Lead high-profile field trials (NVT, GRDC, industry contracts) and engage with sponsors and grower groups to shape the future of applied cropping research.
• Cutting-Edge Resources: Access new machinery and infrastructure, with continued investment in team capability and technology.
• Great Culture: Be part of a positive, flexible, and collaborative workplace with friendly staff and a highly engaged Board.
• Location & Lifestyle: Work from our lnverleigh base – just 30 mins from Geelong and the Surf Coast, and 1 hour from

How to apply

If you’re passionate about applied agronomy and research extension and want to make a tangible difference for farming communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Request a full PD and/or submit your CV and a short cover letter via office@sfs.org.au

Field Trials Operator – South West Victoria

We are seeking a Field Trials Operator to join our team in Inverleigh, Victoria. This is a hands-on, practical role supporting the delivery of cropping trials and research projects across South West Victoria.

About the role

Working closely with the Operations Manager and Research & Extension staff, you will assist with the implementation of on-ground field trials and project work. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop agronomic knowledge through practical experience, using modern machinery and learning from experienced colleagues in a supportive team environment.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with sowing, spraying, crop management and harvesting activities
• Apply trial-specific treatments and undertake research assessments
• Support planning and logistical coordination of in-season trial operations
• Operate and assist with maintenance of agricultural machinery and small plot equipment
• Transport machinery and goods safely and efficiently
• Maintain accurate records of operational tasks
• Support site and machinery maintenance
• Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements and procedures

About you

You are practical, reliable and keen to learn. You enjoy working outdoors, operating machinery, and being part of a team delivering meaningful agricultural research.

Skills & experience

• Willingness to learn agronomic principles and technical trial operations
• Ability to develop new skills as part of a team
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills
• On-farm experience or interest in agricultural research highly regarded

Qualifications

• Ideally suited to a graduate with an agriculture (or related) qualification
• Practical farming experience will also be strongly considered

Why join SFS?

• Work with a leading agricultural research and extension organisation
• Gain hands-on experience in agronomy and field trials
• Use modern, high-tech machinery and equipment
• Learn from experienced professionals in a supportive team
• Build skills and networks for a long-term career in agriculture

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and CV (including referees) as part of your application to office@sfs.org.au