Agricultural Extension Specialist

Agricultural Extension Specialist

We are a science-based company seeking an Agricultural Extension Specialist who is passionate about sustainability and has a flare for driving change. This role will work closely with our Sustainable Agriculture team to achieve outcomes that benefit Australian farmers and the environment. If this sounds like you, read on!

Who we are:

At Cesar Australia, we believe in practical science and sustainable solutions that make a difference. We conduct scientific research and extension across agriculture, conservation and biosecurity, working on a range of native and invasive land and aquatic animals. Multi-year projects are the norm, but we also offer customised services such as industry presentations and lab-based services. It is paramount that our research not only sparks innovation but also translates into real-world applications for our clients.

Our values:

Scientific excellence – Scientific rigour and innovation are central to the practical outcomes we deliver 

Bring grit – We are fast paced, determined and persevere through challenges 

Love it, own it – We are passionate about what we do and own the responsibility for achieving greatness 

Do good for the environment – We are driven by purpose and strive to have a positive impact 

Trust yourself and each other – We have the courage to face ambiguity and help others do the same.

What will you be doing?

You will shape and deliver evidence-based extension strategies that support research adoption and strengthen the agricultural sector’s knowledge, confidence and capability to support sustainable pest management. 

Drawing on your expertise in research translation, practical resource development, engagement, and capacity-building, you will work with our passionate team of researchers and extension professionals on projects exploring the role of pest and beneficial invertebrates in agroecosystems. By applying innovative, inclusive extension methods and leveraging emerging technologies, you will ensure Cesar Australia’s research outcomes are relevant, accessible and actionable, driving their adoption through sustained practice change across the sector. 

To deliver impact in this role you will:  

• Lead the Extension team, including mentoring the team and driving the long-term extension strategy at Cesar Australia. 
• Design and deliver extension and communication plans, including leading project design and implementation. 
• Collaborate with researchers and project partners to identify key outputs and deliver effective extension pathways.
• Develop tools and resources that support Australian farmers to adopt sustainable invertebrate pest management practices. 
• Apply emerging technologies and best-practice extension methods to improve the reach and impact of research adoption. 
• Liaise with funding bodies to develop and deliver new agricultural extension initiatives. 
• Support the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices and technologies across the sector. 
• Facilitate knowledge exchange through the design and delivery of extension programs, workshops and training sessions that support practice change. 

Key selection criteria:

Education 

Relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in agriculture, rural science or related field. 

Expertise in agricultural extension and research adoption 

• Sound understanding of extension theory, behaviour change models, and research adoption pathways. 
• Proficient in participatory extension methods such as demonstration sites, field days and decision-support tools to enhance engagement and learning. 
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering research outcomes to end users. 
• Skills in adult learning, workshop facilitation and training design to support knowledge exchange and practice change. 

A strategic and effective communicator 

• Ability to interpret scientific research and communicate it clearly to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience producing digital content e.g. articles, blog posts, media releases, webinars, presentations, podcasts and videos.  

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills 

• Proven capacity for leadership or mentorship, particularly in agricultural extension or applied research contexts. 
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to maintain perspective, respond constructively and foster a collaborative working environment. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with growers, advisors and industry stakeholders. 
• High level of initiative and self-direction. 
• A genuine enthusiasm for supporting others to grow their capability and confidence. 

Project and program management experience 

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex or multi-stakeholder projects. 
• Skilled at balancing competing priorities and maintaining focus on outcomes. 
• Experience managing extension initiatives and contributing to long-term strategic planning within an organisation. 

Benefits 

What it means to work for us 

You get to be a part of supporting the agriculture sector and have a chance to make a real impact every single day you come to work. Some of the other perks of working with us: 

• A collaborative, multi-skilled team environment with people who are passionate about what they do. 
• Opportunity to work with a purpose driven business – we are committed to making a positive impact by translating scientific exploration into real-world outcomes.  
• State-of-the-art facilities in Brunswick with on-site parking, secure bicycle parking and just a stone’s throw away from public transport (as well as an array of charming cafes and bars).
• Individual, yearly learning & development budget. 
• Flexible work arrangements, including getting the day off on your birthday. 

What to expect from the recruitment process: 

Progressing through the recruitment process will include an initial phone call, followed by an in-person interview and a short task relevant to the role. We’ll use this process to get to know how you think, communicate and approach your work, and to give you a sense of what it’s like to work with us.  

How to apply 

Anne Roe once penned “Nothing in science has any value to society, if it is not communicated.” If you feel the same, take the leap and apply. 

All applicants must submit: 

• A CV no longer than 4 pages, and
• A cover letter that addresses the selection criteria and how our core values resonate with you. 

In addition, please provide at least 2 of the following:  

• Provide a short example of extension material you’ve developed or contributed to – this could be a factsheet, article, workshop plan, or similar. 
• In 300 words or less, tell us how you approach research adoption in agricultural extension. What matters to you when supporting practice change, and why? 
• A short video (no more than 2 minutes) outlining why this role appeals to you and how your experience aligns with the position. 

 Please submit your application to careers@cesaraustralia.com and we will be in touch as soon as we can. Please include the word “#agextension” at the top of your cover letter so that we know you really took the time to read our job ad! 

Applications will close on June 11th, but we will assess applications and begin contacting strong candidates before this closing date. So don’t wait to hit submit!