Agricultural Officer

Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 859041
Location: 5333 - LOXTON
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity is available for an Agricultural Officer to join the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), where you will contribute to leading agricultural research and deliver outcomes that support the productivity, sustainability and prosperity of South Australia's primary industries.

Your impact
Play a hands-on role in agricultural research that delivers real outcomes for South Australia's horticultural industries. Supporting field trials, data collection and farm operations, you'll contribute to innovative research that improves productivity, sustainability and crop management practices. Your work will help develop practical, evidence-based solutions for growers while supporting the long-term success and resilience of the state's primary production sector.

What you'll be doing
As a key member of the Loxton Research Centre team, you will play an important role in:

• Providing practical support across a diverse range of horticultural crops, contributing to both commercial-scale production activities and industry-focused research programs.
• Preparingand maintaining research sites, including ground preparation, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, and routine crop care to promote plant health and maximise productivity.
• Undertaking weed and pest management activities to support healthy growing environments and meet research and biosecurity requirements.
• Applying treatments, collect samples, and gather trial data in accordance with established research methodologies, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of research outcomes.
• Maintaining farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
• Monitoring activities and promptly report incidents, operational issues, or resource requirements to the Research Centre Manager.
• Working closely with researchers and technical staff to help deliver innovative projects that address current and emerging challenges facing irrigated horticulture.

About Us
South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits
At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions and Requirements
Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Role Description for full details regarding the special conditions and requirements of the role, including employment screening, licensing, travel, work health and safety obligations, emergency management responsibilities, and operational equipment requirements.

Remuneration
OPS1 - $57,853 min - $63,695 max per annum, plus superannuation

Confidential Enquiries
Peter McGee
Research Centre Manager - Loxton
Phone: 0427013617
Email: Peter.McGee@sa.gov.au

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Quality Focus and Communication capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Applications close: 11/10/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - Agricultural Officer OPS1 (Loxton Research Centre)#3.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.