Buffalo Industry Development Officer

Job description

Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Livestock Industries

Job title Buffalo Industry Development Officer Designation Technical 3

Job type Full time Duration Fixed from 06/11/2025 to 01/07/2026

Salary $79,927 - $87,579 Location Darwin

Position number RTF Closing 04/09/2025

Contact officer Gretel Bailey-Preston on or

About the agency

Apply online

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.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go

to the OCPE website.

Primary objective

To assist with conducting practical research and extension aimed at sustainable buffalo production in the Northern Territory.

Context statement

The main focus of this position is to act as the project officer for the "Supply chain best practice to improve the health and welfare

of free-range buffalo harvest in Arnhem Land – Northern Territory" project. This project will map and analyse the supply chain and

ultimately provide recommendations for sustainable buffalo harvest across Arnhem Land as well as policy and practice change to

improve health and welfare outcomes for buffalo. This project will follow buffalo through the supply chain to study what is

influencing welfare, and the project officer will assist with all aspects of the project including travelling to collect data from

throughout the supply chain, engagement and consultation with producers and stakeholders and assist with data collation and

reporting. There are also some embedded studies including efficacy of pneumonia vaccine, feeding behaviour trials and a meat

quality study at the abattoir which the project officer will be required to assist with. There will be an opportunity to complete a

master's or other research degree associated with the project. The position will assist with other Livestock Industry RD&E work

when not working on the buffalo project.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Assist and be responsible for the collection, collation, entering and processing of research data related to livestock, specifically

buffalo.

2. Engage and consult with key industry stakeholders including traditional owners, pastoralists and government.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. An appropriate Associate Diploma, Certificate or Degree in Agriculture or a related field, and/or considerable experience in and

knowledge of the northern livestock industry.

2. Demonstrated ability to accurately collect and record data using manual and electronic platforms.

3. A sound understanding of and experience adhering to safe work practices including working with livestock and

station/mustering operations.

4. Demonstrated ability to work independently, forward plan and carry out work programs for extended periods in remote

locations.

5. Demonstrated interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, and ability to interact positively and enable effective liaison

between the pastoral industry, traditional owners, NT government and other organisations.

6. Current drivers licence and demonstrate ability to safely operate a manual 4WD vehicle in remote areas.

7. Sound computing skills in an office and field environment – word processing, spreadsheets, databases, data collection on a

tablet or computer, email, and internet.

8. A sound understanding of the Pastoral Industry and Indigenous culture, including commonality and differences, to meet

potential challenges by providing solutions through an open-minded approach.

Desirable

1. Experience in assisting with research projects.

2. Experience working with or in Aboriginal communities especially in the Northern Territory.

3. Experience with buffalo and/or the North Australian buffalo industry.

Further information

The position will require significant travel to bush/remote locations and stations throughout the Northern Territory.