Horticulture Scientist

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is seeking a full-time Horticulture Scientist in Darwin, NT, Australia, for a fixed term of 3 years with a salary range of $90,204 - $107,554. The role involves planning and managing research projects, conducting field trials, and collaborating with industry stakeholders. Applicants must have tertiary qualifications in Agricultural Science and relevant experience in tropical horticulture.
Job description

Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Plant Industries, Agriculture Division

Job title Horticulture Scientist Designation Professional 2

Job type Full time Duration Fixed for 3 years

Salary $90,204 - $107,554 Location Darwin

Position number 76250053 RTF 322074 Closing 19/05/2025

Contact officer Chelsea Moore on 08 8999 2323 or chelsea.moore@nt.gov.au

About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au/

Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=322074

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 plan, manage and implement research and development projects and activities as part of the Plant Industries Branch

within the Agriculture Division in the Northern Territory.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Participate in planning, development, and management of research and development projects for achieving the

Department’s Strategic Plan.

2. Plan and implement research, development and extension activities involving a range of actions including review of

literature, laboratory experiments, field trials and capacity building of the horticultural industry stakeholders in the

Northern Territory.

3. Deliver field trials and laboratory experiments and assist technical staff in associated laboratory and field protocols and

techniques.

4. Develop and maintain effective professional relationship with industry stakeholders, research delivery / project partners,

and research and development funding agencies.

5. Prepare project reports, milestone reports, scientific papers and project-based extension material as required.

6. Provide technical advice to key stakeholders and relevant input into the Department’s programs/projects and as

required, represent Plant Industries at industry meetings, workshops, field days and conferences.

7. Effective management of available financial and technical resources.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Tertiary qualifications in Agricultural Science or equivalent.

2. Proven ability to plan and implement research and development projects.

3. Knowledge of experimental procedures and ability to design, conduct and analyse trials and experiments.

4. Substantial experience in tropical horticulture, including tissue culture, germplasm evaluation, field assessments of plants

including phenology /biology, laboratory assessments of postharvest quality.

5. Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate research and

technical information to researchers, growers, other agencies, and the wider community.

6. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team, responsibly handle sensitive matters and a

willingness to assist in other Plant Industries projects when needed.

7. Ability to travel regionally and undertake field work in tropical conditions.

8. Experience with relevant software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and statistical programs.

9. Current Australian driver’s licence Class C.

Desirable

1. An understanding of growing crops in glasshouses, and knowledge of biotic and abiotic stresses, and physiological

disorders in plants.