Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Plant Industries
Job title Principal Technical Officer Designation Technical 4
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $92,326 - $101,170 Location Katherine
Position number 9230 RTF 353241 Closing 31/08/2026
Contact officer Edward Mwando on 08 8973 8516 or [email protected]
About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=353241
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.

Primary objective
Initiate, implement and manage cropping systems research trials and demonstration sites. The Principal Technical Officer will focus
on new and improved ways of delivering contemporary Research, Development and Extension (RD&E;) in collaboration with staff,
and research and industry partners, including other state agricultural departments and external funding bodies.

Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide technical guidance for the planning, development, implementation and management of research projects and supervise

on-ground management of field trials and demonstration plantings.
2.



Recommend and implement recent techniques and ideas in research trials and demonstration sites.
3. Co-ordinate the collection of data and assist in the interpretation of data associated with research, extension and development

projects, and prepare technical reports.
4. Support training and capacity building of DAF staff across all aspects of agronomy and foster an environment that values

individual and team performance and continuous improvement.
5. Provide strategic advice to management and DAF staff on project progress including early notice of any sensitive issues.
6. Partner with industry, community and other government agencies in the Northern Territory (and nationally) to ensure project

success is measured and evaluated.
7. Provide advice and information to new and existing growers to improve the efficiency of plant-based industries.
8. Facilitate the communication process with the project partners for timely alignment of objectives and milestones.
9. Participate in preparation of project outputs, including scientific publications, industry newsletters, case studies and final

project report and communicate the outcomes to a broad range of audiences, including industry groups and government
departments.

Selection criteria
Essential
1.



Demonstrated knowledge and extensive experience in leading broadacre cropping systems trials in the growing regions similar

to Northern Territory, safe operation and maintenance of specialised technical equipment, and field equipment and machinery.
2. Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and deliver research trials and demonstration activities, including applying sound

judgement, managing risks and meeting project milestones.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in experimental procedures, data collection and interpretation related to tropical

crop research, including cotton, rice, maize, peanuts, hay and fodder and soybeans.
4. Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports, publications

and extension material for a range of audiences.
5. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with research organisations, funding bodies, industry,

community and government stakeholders to deliver practical outcomes.
6. Demonstrated ability to lead, support and develop a small team, foster safe and inclusive work practices, and contribute to

continuous improvement.
7. Current Class C and HR (ability to obtain) driver’s licence, relevant certificates in first aid and Auschem/Chemcert safe

agrichemical use or the ability to obtain within an agreed timeframe.

Desirable
1. Graduate qualifications in Agricultural Sciences or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Further information
This position will be required to undertake a significant amount of travel for work to all regions in the Northern Territory.

📌 Principal Technical Officer (Katherine)
🏢 Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
📍 Katherine