Horticulture Development Officer Blueberry

• Fixed Term full time role (until 30 January 2028)
• Location – Wollongbar, NSW. Coffs Harbour through to Grafton locations will also be considered.
• Salary ranging from $67,975 to $130,553 pa + super (Professional Officer Grade 1/4)

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Regional NSW. We encourage applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. This includes differences in culture, gender, sexual orientation, language and disability status or other attributes.
The Department of Regional NSW is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.

About the Role

The Horticulture Development Officer – Blueberry undertakes industry development activities within the blueberry industry to enhance its success economically, socially and environmentally. The position will work with a diverse range of industry stakeholders and the wider berry industry, especially Raspberry and Blackberry.  

This position is part of the Horticulture Unit of the Plant Systems Branch within Agriculture NSW and is part of a team of 8 horticulture development officers working across NSW in priority horticulture industries.

As our new Horticulture Development Officer Blueberry you will;

• Work with researchers from DPI, other research and development organisations, government, key commodity groups and industry to define opportunities for, and impediments to, competitive and sustainable outcomes for the blueberry industry
• Source and collate information from industry, relevant recognised research, community and the private sector
• Develop, refine and distribute extension products that target the adoption of relevant and new technologies that will contribute to sustainable farm outcomes
• Measure, evaluate and report program and project effectiveness

• Provide timely information and advice to management within DPI on emerging issues and development opportunities that will enhance the success of NSW horticulture
• Ensure project outcomes are achieved on time, to quality standards and within agreed scope and budget in line with established agency project management methodology.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders, industry partners and organisations to achieve program objectives

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the NSW Horticultural industry, the specific region and its farming systems, key profit drivers and factors impacting on productivity and sustainability
• Proven experience in developing, delivering and evaluating collaborative projects for industry
• Demonstrated knowledge of the NSW Blueberry Industry.
• Degree in Agricultural/Horticultural Science or another relevant discipline
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence and the ability and willingness to travel.

About Us 

The Department of Regional NSW was formed in 2020 as a central agency for regional issues. The Department is responsible for building resilient regional economies and communities, strengthening primary industries, managing the use of regional land, overseeing the state’s mineral and mining resources and ensuring government investment in regional NSW is fair and delivers positive outcomes for local communities and businesses.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) supports the development of profitable primary industries that create a more prosperous NSW and contributes to a better environment through the sustainable use of natural resources.

Within NSW DPI, Agriculture (DPI Ag) leads agricultural industry development through extension, science and research, industry policy and regulatory compliance functions to foster sustainable and economic agricultural industries.

Why work for Department of Regional NSW?

We have an open secret that we want to share with you. At the Department of Regional NSW, you can have it all. You can deliver with impact, connect to what matters and live your way. As part of our team, you get access to: 

• Cutting-edge projects and research, and career-defining exposure and experience. Sustainable solutions that create a legacy. 
• Deep connection to the community through a team of passionate and connected people. 
• All the perks of a city lifestyle in a close-knit community where you can bring your whole self to work.

Apply now:

All applications must be submitted online and should include your current resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this position.

If you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Kevin Quinlan at kevin.quinlan@dpie.nsw.gov.au View role description.

Applications close on February 7 at 11:55pm.