GRDC Grains Research and Development : seeks Southern NSW Technical Facilitator

The research needs and priorities of southern New South Wales grain growers will be the focus of a new Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) initiative. The GRDC is seeking a full-time consultant to provide the services of Technical Facilitator for the Regional Cropping Solutions Network (RCSN) in southern NSW for up to five years.

GRDC grower services manager - North Sharon O'Keeffe said the organisation was looking for a person with a minimum of 10 years experience in the grains industry and well developed communication skills to fill the role of Southern NSW technical facilitator.

Planning, investing in and overseeing research and development, and delivering improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry are key responsibilities of the GRDC. The RCSN structure has been developed to further ensure grower levies are targeted to address major production constraints and opportunities in different regions.

With the GRDC boundary change, southern NSW is now a part of the GRDC Northern Region so the southern NSW RCSN will help shape the future direction of locally-relevant research, development and extension activities and deliver paddock-ready solutions to local production challenges.

GRDC grower services manager - north Sharon O'Keeffe said approximately 400 growers and advisors were currently involved in cropping and grower solutions networks across the northern region providing a vital link between on-ground issues and regional research projects.

'These networks ensure local issues and farming systems are considered and prioritised when the GRDC sets one-to-three-year research priorities with the ultimate aim of improving farm productivity and profitability,' she said.

'They provide the link between regional research and localised validation, which results in fast-tracked outcomes and provides answers and information to help growers and agronomists make decisions on-farm.'

She said the southern NSW regional cropping solutions technical facilitator was a full-time, maximum five-year contract with the successful applicant needing a minimum of 10 years' knowledge and experience in the grains industry with experience in trial design and methodology and highly developed communication skills.

'This facilitator will have a crucial role negotiating and facilitating outcomes that deliver benefits to growers, so they will need to able to work flexibly in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders,' Ms O'Keeffe said.

Ideally, she said applicants would have extensive networks with growers, agronomists and researchers within southern NSW and have a Degree in Science, Agricultural Science or the equivalent.

Applications for the position close at 5pm, January 30, 2017.

For selection criteria and other details:

Applying for GRDC supported positions and programs is now done using the GRDC Grains Investment Portal. Once registered, users can visit the portal anytime. To register go to the GRDC Grains Investment Portal and follow the prompts.

Complete the details for each field available, until you reach 'Submit Application' on the last page.

Any questions contact Tegan Slade - Contracts Administrator North via email [e-mail]

A selection committee will consider applications, with applicants informed of their decision within six weeks of the closing date.

Region North