- 35 hours per week
- Temporary until June 2030
- Location: Orange Agricultural Institute (OAI), Orange
- Technical Officer Grade 1/3 | Salary from $75,728 to $116,969 plus super and leave loading
The salary offered to the successful candidate will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award and the Technical Staff Merit Progression
About the role
The Technical Officer This role supports field and laboratory operations in conducting the tasks involved in viticulture and horticulture research within DPIRD Agriculture.
We are looking for an individual who can:
- Provide technical input into temperate perennial crop field trials in various locations, including the establishment and the maintenance with minimal supervision.
- Undertake soil and plant measurements, maintain trial instrumentation devices and field
- equipment and take plant and soil samples for analysis.
- Accurately collect and record research data and information to ensure consistency and quality and sample evaluation from these research trials
- Undertake research support activities in the laboratory, including preparation and analysis of plant tissue and soil samples, record data and information from fruit.
- Prepare and provide field and laboratory procedures and contribute to the reporting requirements.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to required standards. Maintain laboratory to provide a safe and efficient work environment.
- Contribute to the maintenance of work health and safety (WHS), quality management system (QMS) databases (i.e. standard operating procedures (SOP), safe work method statements(SWMS), etc).
- Comply with work standards according to the level of appointment in the Technical Staff Merit Progression Guidelines.
About You
To be successful in this role, our ideal candidate will have the following:
- Qualifications in accordance with Part 2 (xv) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award
- Ability to fulfil the physical requirements of the role
- Valid NSW Driver License and ability and willingness to travel, including some overnight stays away from home during peak periods
Applying for the role
Apply online by submitting a current resume (max 3 pages) and brief cover letter (max 2 page) that addresses the following questions:
- What experience do you have with field trials in deciduous perennial horticultural crops?
- Have you worked with field instrumentation, equipment and orchard machinery?
- How familiar are you with laboratory procedures and sample analysis?
A
Role Description - Technical Officer - Horticulture - Viticulture.pdf
Closing Date: Thursday 18 June 2026, at 11:55pm (AEST)
If you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Bruno Holzapfel, Research Physiologist,
[email protected] and 0458 723 664
What to expect next
- You’ll receive a confirmation email
- We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
- If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview on Microsoft Teams or in person
- Further assessments will follow (e.g. written task, skills test, psychometric test)
- Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
- The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, pre-employment medical assessment and/or other assessments as required.
- A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.
You can email us at
[email protected] or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.
About us – together, we are DPIRD
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.
Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.
The department brings together:
- Agriculture and Biosecurity
- Regional Development and Delivery.
With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.
At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.
DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer
We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.
