Cropping Group Leader

Job description

Agency Department of Agriculture and Work unit Plant Industries

Fisheries

Job title Cropping Group Leader Designation Professional 3

Job type Full time Duration Ongoing

Salary $110,873 - $124,173 Location Katherine

Position number 12831 RTF Closing 15/09/2025

Contact officer Muhammad Sohail Mazhar 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

The Cropping Group Leader will conceptualise, initiate, plan, conduct and manage research and development projects to

improve the productivity and sustainability of cropping industries in the Katherine, Douglas Daly or Darwin region, in line

with the DAF Industry Development Plan.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Develop clear RD&E objectives for intensive cropping systems, through consultation with management, industry and

other stakeholders.

2. Design, implement and manage all aspects of complex research and development programs/projects, including building

positive relationships with stakeholders and clients, that deliver outcomes for industry and government.

3. Prepare and publish key scientific publications to promote the adoption of new technologies and methodologies that

maximise farming system profitability and sustainability.

4. Manage staff in a manner that is consistent with Work Health and Safety principles.

5. Provide need-based advice to senior staff and represent DAF at meetings, workshops and conferences at a regional,

national and international levels.

6. Provide inputs for Ministerial and Cabinet submissions to achieve the strategic outcomes of the NTG and

Commonwealth.

7. Manage resources (human, financial, technical and others) in a manner consistent with DAF's Code of Conduct and

maintain an active professional development plan.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Bachelor's degree in science, agricultural science or equivalent.

2. Sound knowledge of cropping production systems in Australia and the key issues influencing these industries into the

future.

3. Sound knowledge of integrated production system research and development methodologies, utilising multidiscipline

teams as applicable to cropping production systems with a particular focus on the movement of nutrients in the plant.

4. Knowledge of the principles of project development, management and reporting and industry negotiation with the

objective to advance the economic and sustainable development of integrated cropping industries.

5. Knowledge of work team dynamics and how to maximise the output of the team and of industry/growers' associations

and how they relate to project management.

6. High level written and oral communication skills including the ability to render technical data and information suitable

for a wide variety of audiences – including scientific community, general public, industry and media.

7. An understanding of Indigenous economic development issues.

8. Current drivers licence Class C or equivalent.

Desirable

1. Postgraduate qualifications and research experience relevant to the position.

2. Demonstrated experience in achieving positive outcomes through stakeholder engagement.