Senior Agricultural Officer

Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 853604
Location: 5350 - ROSEDALE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Senior Agricultural Officer to be part of our South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Join SARDI and support innovative livestock research that contributes to the productivity and sustainability of South Australia’s sheep industry.

Working under the guidance of the Senior Research Officer, you will help manage research sheep flocks, maintain pastures and farm infrastructure, and provide practical support for a range of livestock research projects. This hands-on role combines sheep husbandry, farm operations and technical research support, ensuring high standards of animal welfare, biosecurity and research compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support livestock research projects through practical and technical assistance.
• Manage day-to-day sheep husbandry activities, including feeding, treatments, breeding and animal welfare monitoring.
• Collect animal health data and biological samples to support research outcomes.
• Assist with reproduction programs, including pregnancy scanning and flock management.
• Coordinate livestock movements and maintain accurate research and husbandry records.
• Maintain pastures, fencing, farm infrastructure, equipment and machinery.
• Assist with post-mortem examinations, tissue collection and disposal activities.
• Provide supervision and support to farm staff as required.
• Ensure compliance with Animal Ethics, OGTR, WHS and biosecurity requirements.

About You

You are an experienced agricultural professional with strong sheep husbandry skills and practical farm experience. You understand animal welfare requirements, can operate farm equipment safely, and enjoy working in a research-focused environment.

Why Join SARDI?

This is a unique opportunity to combine practical farming expertise with leading agricultural research. Your work will directly support projects that benefit South Australia's livestock industries, producers and regional communities, while contributing to meaningful scientific outcomes.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Opportunity up to August 2028.
• Full time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week with Part time arrangements negotiable to the right candidate.

Requirements

• Possession of a current driver’s license and willingness to drive.
• Out of hours work including on weekend and public holidays may be required. This work will include observation of and attention to livestock and general security checks as required.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations.
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.
• A forklift license is required.

Remuneration

OPS3 - $74,095 min - $78,694 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Skye Rudiger

Senior Research Officer
Phone: 0412878471
Email: skye.rudiger@sa.gov.au

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Achievement Orientation and Attention to Detail capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Applications close: 03/10/2026 6:00 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines#5.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Agricultural Officer- OPS3#2.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.