“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Summary
Our farms reward original thinking, team players, and in these roles we need researchers that know when to say “no”, so he/she can stay laser focused on solving big problems. We need results on-time, within budget constraints, and with the imaginative and creative flair that great scientists possess.
Vitonga Farms is growing very fast, and we have a lot of work to do. If you are someone that is is hungry to get in the field, loves to collaborate, is best mates with SPSS, is preoccupied with new ideas late in the night and not sweat the little stuff then you should apply - you will succeed here.
Who You Are
We’re looking for individuals who are creative, imaginative, diligent, articulate, academic and possesses strong research acumen.
You’ve got experience in the field. You know your way around the laboratory and the farm alike.
You’ve learnt the ins and outs of research and experimentation because you live and breathe the scientific method.
You enjoy engaging your work colleagues by asking them questions, sharing your knowledge, and collaborating.
You also love the outdoors and enjoy working outdoors.
Are willing to go out of your way to lend a hand or listen. After all, the pressure on businesses to succeed in an increasingly unstable global economy is immense without staff looking out for one and other.
You have incredible communications skills, a strong work ethic and ability to not only problem solve independently, but also to identify and mitigate risks we’re not even thinking about as an organisation.
About the Role
It is important to note that we do not expect you to have experience in every area of this role, however we need competency in many areas and at least the capacity to figure out how to tackle the things you don't.
1. Experimental Design: Plan and design field experiments to study the impact of various factors on crop growth and yield. Develop protocols for data collection, ensuring experiments are well-controlled and scientifically sound.
2. Field Experiments and Data Collection: Coordinate and conduct field experiments to evaluate different crop varieties, agronomic practices, and technologies. Collect and analyze data on crop performance, including growth rates, disease resistance, and yield.
3. Soil Analysis: Assess soil health and nutrient status to determine the best practices for crop production. Recommend appropriate fertilizers, soil amendments, and irrigation strategies based on soil analysis.
4. Crop Management: Advise on crop rotation, planting density, and other agronomic practices based on the experimental findings to optimize yield while reducing environmental impact. Also, research and implement sustainable farming practices to promote soil health and minimize the chemical input usage.
5. Crop Improvement: Carryout research to identify and develop horticultural crop varieties suitable for broadacre farming. Evaluate and select crops based on yield, quality, and adaptability to specific environmental conditions.
6. Pest and Disease Management: Examine and develop strategies for managing pests and diseases affecting crops. Identify resistant/tolerant crop varieties and develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
7. Technology Adoption: Stay abreast of new technologies in agriculture and assess their potential benefits for crop production. Provide recommendations for the adoption of precision agriculture, automation, and other cutting-edge technologies.
8. Data Analysis and Interpretation: Use statistical methods to analyze research data and draw meaningful conclusions. Interpret findings and communicate results to farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
9. Collaboration: Collaborate with other agronomists, researchers, and agricultural professionals to share knowledge and insights. Similarly, work with teams to understand the needs and incorporate practical solutions into research problems.
10. Publications and Presentations: Prepare research papers and reports for publication in scientific journals. Present findings at conferences and workshops to disseminate knowledge and engage with the agricultural community.
11. Irrigation and water management: Research and implement efficient irrigation strategies for horticultural crops in broadacre farming. Evaluate technologies and techniques to optimize water use and minimize wastage.
12. Plant protection: Study and develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for horticultural crops. Identify and recommend control measures for pests and diseases affecting large-scale cultivation.
13. Technology Adoption: Strategize, explore, and recommend the adoption of modern technologies, such as precision agriculture, automation, and remote sensing, to enhance efficiency.
14. Environmental Sustainability: Research and promote sustainable agricultural practices to minimize environmental impact. Explore methods for reducing chemical inputs and improving overall farm sustainability.
15. Capacity development: Provide training and education to staff and farmworkers on best practices for horticultural crop production. Disseminate information through workshops, field days, and educational materials.
16. Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about regulations and standards related to horticultural crop production. Ensure that research practices and recommendations align with relevant agricultural policies.
Role Requirements
- AQF Bachelor Degree or equivalent, preferably Doctorate.
- Proven competency in agricultural science
- An excellent work ethic, a strong focus on WHS, and a high degree of reliability and dedication to providing support to your teammates on WHS.
- Background in environmental sustainability and/or citrus will be highly advantageous
- Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Australian Driver’s License (Clean-ish)
- Imagination
Salary range: 85,000 - 105.000 AUD depending on experience and qualifications
About the Farms
Our properties are an 8 min drive (9km) North-West of Moree, NSW. We have 280,000 drip irrigated citrus trees, last year we harvested 5,000 tonnes of barley and this month 11,000 bales of irrigated cotton were picked.
Our citrus is harvested 9 months of the year for juicing and goes to our other business grovejuice.com.au who supplies our own brands as well as the four major supermarkets and export market in South-East Asia.
We take an active position in the industry via industry-based associations, not-for-profit work, local sponsorships and talking to our mates over a few beers at the pub. Vitonga Farms has strong water & market stability, our staff have good job security and as a result we retain great knowledge as a collective unit.
Training
We will help you with professional training to suit your needs.
Work. Rest. Send-it!
Your life outside of the job is important to us. Our properties boast the best private motocross track in the area, great spots for fishing/hunting & large dams for water skiing. You will have full access to these recreational assets to let loose and enjoy yourself.
Socials
@vitongafarms
Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
www.vitongafarms.com.au
How to Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter with reference number VIT-AGS to
[email protected]
