Regional Extension Officer

The Company

The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) is the major investment body delivering outcomes in cotton research, development and extension (RD&E) for the Australian cotton industry. A partnership between the Commonwealth Government and cotton growers, CRDC exists to invest in world‑leading RD&E to benefit Australia’s dynamic cotton industry, and the wider community.

CRDC is one of three partners in CottonInfo, cotton’s joint extension program, designed to deliver the latest research and development (R&D) outcomes to cotton growers and consultants. As a trusted information source, CottonInfo helps cotton growers improve on‑farm practices, productivity, competitiveness and environmental performance. The CottonInfo team consists of a Program Manager, Communications Lead, Regional ExtensionOfficers (REOs), Technical Leads and myBMP experts.

CottonInfo’s three key focuses are to:

- Improve the rate and reach of R&D adaption and adoption

- Support sustainable cotton industry expansion

- Prepare for and respond to biosecurity threats

The Role

We are seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Regional Extension Officer (REO) to join the CottonInfo team. Based in Kununurra, WA, the REO will play a crucial role in extending the results of cotton industry research and development across the cotton growing valleys in northern WA and the NT.

This is a new position, appointed to service the growing cotton industry in northern Australia. It requires being hands‑on as you ground truth R&D and share the results, working closely with local cotton growers. Distances are huge, so you must be prepared to travel.

The position involves providing direct support to growers and consultants, local coordination of workshops and field demonstrations, and acting as a valuable feedback loop for industry RD&E. The REO will be one of nine REOs based across the cotton growing regions and will report to the CottonInfo Program Manager.

Key responsibilities:

- Deliver CottonInfo extension: Plan and implement CottonInfo activities based on the CottonInfo Strategic Plan and Annual Operational Plan (AOP). Monitor and report on the achievement of AOP goals.

- Local support and coordination: Act as the first point of contact for growers and consultants regarding R&D, providing direct support and facilitating the adoption of research. Coordinate local workshops, site visits, field demonstrations and trials.

- Build strong relationships: Work closely with the CottonInfo team and its partners CRDC, Cotton Australia and Cotton Seed Distributors, particularly the relevant/local CRDC Innovation Brokers, Cotton Australia Regional Managers and CSD Extension Agronomists. Develop and maintain strong relationships with the cotton research community.

- Deliver research to impact: Provide feedback on industry RD&E to ensure practical and effective extension. Support the delivery of CRDC research and build trusted relationships with researchers.

The person

To be successful in this important industry role you will have:

- A degree in agriculture, agronomy, or a related field.

- Experience in agricultural extension, preferably within cotton.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Proficiency in data collection and analysis.

- A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

- A focus on service for the betterment of the cotton industry.

This is an exciting new opportunity. You might be a resident of WA or an NT local involved in agribusiness or research. Or you might be experienced from the southern cotton regions with sound technical knowledge, willing to relocate. You might be an agronomist early career, who is up for an adventure to help grow with the industry.

For confidential enquiries and a copy of the Position Description, please phone AL Kellaway on 1300 380 701 or apply via rimfireresources.com.au

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