Join the Team – Research & Extension Coordinator Soils, Pasture & Livestock
About the role
The Research & Extension Coordinator – Soils Pasture & Livestock is responsible for planning and executing pasture agronomy trials, reporting trial outcomes, assisting preparation of funding proposals, coordination and management of Research and Extension Officers. The role is responsible for extension and communication of new practices to SFS members and partners.
The position suits a research professional who enjoys working across field operations, people leadership, project coordination and extension.
Key responsibilities
People
- Provide leadership and advice around pasture agronomy trials
- Involvement in extension activities with farmers and members at field days, workshops
- and other events
- Management of R&E Officers on designated projects
- Development and adoption of new agronomic practices by farmers, advisor
Assets
- Develop, protect and preserve SFS’ IP assets
- Responsible use of SFS machinery, equipment and trial assets
- Transform R&D projects to on-ground projects at branch level
Financial
- Prepare project funding and contract trial proposals, incl. budgets
- Manage designated projects within budget, achieve profit targets
- Trials and projects running well, including reporting and milestones
- Manage project expenditure within SFS authority guidelines
About you
You are organised, practical and people-focused 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 pasture agronomy and trial 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 pasture trials across multiple regions
- Collaborate with farmers, researchers, advisers and industry partners
- Enjoy a role that blends pasture agronomy, people leadership and extension
- Negotiated salary based on experience and qualifications
- Professional Growth: Lead high-profile field trials (MLA, industry contracts) and engage with sponsors and farmer groups to shape the future of applied 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 20 mins from Geelong and the Surf Coast.
How to apply
If you’re passionate about applied pasture 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
