Extension Advisor

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Shellharbour

Job Category: Farming, Animals & Conservation

Job Description
Where good people grow great futures
At Dairy Australia, we believe in growing great futures - that includes yours.
Here, you'll contribute to something bigger: the livelihood of farmers, the sustainability of communities in dairy regions and the future of one of Australia's most vital industries.

Working alongside people whose knowledge and passion run deep, you'll love being part of a team where flexibility matters and support comes in abundance. What's more, we're as invested in your growth as we are in the industry's future.

Whether you're new to the industry or bring years of experience to the table, if you're after work that's practical, challenging and deeply connected to real outcomes, you'll find it at Dairy Australia.

Your opportunity
Are you passionate about driving positive change in the dairy industry? Do you thrive on building trusted relationships and delivering impactful extension services? Dairy Australia is looking for a passionate and proactive Extension Advisor & Farm Engagement Lead to drive meaningful farmer engagement and support on-farm practice change across the region.

This role is a unique blend of relationship management, technical extension delivery, and strategic insight gathering.
You will travel regularly and extensively throughout the region to have regular contact with farmers, therefore this role will be attractive to those living in the South Cost region of NSW.
You'll play a key role in shaping regional extension priorities and ensuring Dairy Australia's services are aligned with farmer needs and industry goals.

Key Responsibilities
Farmer Engagement & Relationship Building

• Act as a trusted advisor and connector between farmers and Dairy Australia.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to support farmer outcomes.

Insight & Intelligence Gathering

• Capture and share farmer insights to inform regional and national planning.
• Maintain accurate records and farm profiles using Salesforce.
• Identify and escalate reputational or industry risks.

Extension Delivery

• Plan, promote, and facilitate extension activities aligned with industry targets.
• Foster discussion groups, including Young Dairy Network.
• Collaborate with advisers and service providers to maximise impact.

Demonstrating Value

• Build awareness of Dairy Australia's services and resources.
• Refer farmers to appropriate expertise and contextualise support.
• Champion the value proposition of Dairy Australia across the region.

Technical Expertise

• Apply your technical knowledge (e.g., agronomy, nutrition, animal health) to support practice change.
• Develop and deliver extension programs independently.
• Maintain deep understanding of regional farming systems and industry trends.

This Role Is Responsible For Servicing The Following Regions

• South Coast – Milton to Sydney South, including Nowra, Kangaroo Valley, Jamberoo, Southern Highlands, Camden and Leppington
• Central West – Cowra, Forbes, Gooloogong, Dubbo, Bathurst
• Other NSW regions and interstate events periodically

To effectively support these areas, the successful candidate must be
based on the South Coast
or be
willing to relocate
to the region.

About You
You're a relationship builder with a strategic mindset and a genuine interest in supporting the dairy industry. You bring:

• A good understanding of the dairy industry
• Ability to apply your technical knowledge to dairy farming e.g. Agronomy, Animal nutrition
• An ability and preparedness to travel regularly to service your regions
• Experience in structured account management or stakeholder engagement (desirable)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to promote services with authenticity and impact
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)

Why Dairy Australia?
Are you a doer? Someone who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen? At Dairy Australia, you'll fit right in.

Here, you'll be surrounded by good people who are genuine, down to earth and as driven as you. Our people care – about the work, each other and doing what's right for the industry. You'll see this every day, whether you work in our Melbourne office or in any of our eight dairy regions across Australia.

We believe your best work happens when you're supported to thrive. That's why we focus on creating the right environment for you to make a meaningful impact while maintaining a genuine work-life balance.

What does this mean for you?

• Flexibility that works: Find a better balance. Work from home and structure your work around what needs to get done - because we know your best work happens when life is in balance.
• Where good people grow: You'll be part of a close-knit, high-performing team of grounded changemakers, where your expertise is valued and your professional growth is actively encouraged.
• Culture of innovation and care: Here at Dairy Australia, we're open to each other's ideas, we operate with integrity, and we're driven to find the best solutions for our employees and stakeholders - because we're all united by a common purpose.

Join us and help build great futures
If your motivations and skillset align with what you've read, please apply with your CV and Cover Letter.
Please note:
As part of Dairy Australia's recruitment process, you may be required to undergo a National Police Check, provide evidence of your right to work in Australia and undergo a Driver History check.