Technical Assistant

About this role

This technical position supports glasshouse operations for the National Lentil and Field Pea Breeding Programs, which aim to deliver high-yielding, profitable pulse varieties for the Australian grains industry. Co-invested by Agriculture Victoria Research and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), these programs conduct extensive glasshouse trials at the Horsham Smart Farm. Based at the Horsham Smart Farm, you will contribute to various aspects of glasshouse operations for the lentil and field pea breeding programs, working under general supervision. Your responsibilities will include liaising with pulse breeders and pre-breeding research scientists on lentil and field pea hybridisation experiments, growing inbred parental stocks, completing complex hybridisation programs, and conducting abiotic and biotic stress assessments. You will also prepare growth media, apply chemical applications and perform pulse breeding husbandry. You will work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and undertake a wide variety of tasks. You will be self-motivated, well organised and able to innovate and problem solve. You will have good communication skills, as you will interact with a broad range of people including scientists, technicians and postgraduate students from within and outside the organisation. You will have a passion for agriculture, a desire to develop a career in agricultural research and contribute to world class research and innovation that improves the profitability and sustainability of the Australian grains industry. You will report to the Technical Officer at Horsham.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Basic knowledge and understanding of agriculture (desirable).
• Current driver license.
• A forklift license (desirable).
• Chemical User Certificate accreditation or equivalent (desirable).

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 12 Months. The work location for this position is Horsham.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 29 April 2025.  

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. 

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. 

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.