Career opportunities

NSW Department of Primary Industries is made up of several thousand staff in dozens of locations across the state. There is a broad range of occupations within the organisation, staffed by a diverse and talented group of people.

Current vacancies

All vacant positions are listed on the I Work for NSW website.

Agricultural Pathways Program

The NSW Government’s Agricultural Pathways Program is a two-year employment opportunity with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

It provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience to help kickstart a career in agriculture while also gaining a formal qualification in agriculture – from a Certificate III in Agriculture, through to a Diploma in Agriculture.

Open to interested recent school leavers through to current and recent graduates of Certificate III in Agriculture or higher, the successful applicant will have a passion for agriculture and a keen interest in research and development.

To find out more about this opportunity and to apply, visit Farm Assistant, Agricultural Pathway Program.

FAQs

What is the Agricultural Pathways Program?

The NSW Government’s Agricultural Pathways Program is a two-year employment opportunity with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

It provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience to help kick start a career in agriculture while also gaining a formal qualification – from a Certificate III in Agriculture, through to a Diploma in Agriculture.

What are some of the opportunities in the primary industries sector?

The NSW primary industries sector offers a broad range of employment opportunities from “hands-on” roles in the livestock and cropping sectors through to farm management positions.

How will the Program help the future of agriculture?

The NSW Government is committed to creating stronger primary industries in NSW.

This program will provide participants who have a passion for the industry with a pathway into agricultural research and development as well as a practical experience across beef and dairy cattle, merino and prime lamb industries, pastures, winter and summer crop production.

Participants will be supported by DPI to undertake formal training through Tocal College to obtain qualifications from a Certificate III in Agriculture through to a Diploma of Agriculture.

At the completion of the 2-year program, it is envisaged that participants can remain in ongoing employment at one of DPI’s 25 research stations or return to the private sector and put their skills and training into practice.

How many positions are available through the NSW Government’s Agricultural Pathways Program?

Confirmed positions are somewhat flexible and will be dependent on the number of applications.

How will DPI decide who is successful?

DPI are looking for candidates with:

  • Consistent academic effort and achievement with a preference for those who have commenced or completed a Certificate III or higher in Agriculture
  • Two years in field work experience with transferable skills relevant to running an Australian Livestock Enterprise.
  • Evidence of leadership potential and personal motivation
  • Evidence of being a team player and a people person
  • Demonstrated involvement in the Agricultural community
  • A vision to support the industry and the agricultural community with further higher education employment opportunities

What are the benefits of completing the Agricultural Pathways Program?

  • Salary starting from $53,498 through to $58,955 + super
  • Receive up to $2,500 value in specialist agricultural education via Tocal College, including the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Agriculture during the two-year position
  • Financial support is available for on-site accommodation, where available.

Who can take part in the Program?

DPI Research Services are looking for interested recent school leavers through to current and recent graduates of Certificate III in Agriculture or higher. The successful applicant will have a passion for agriculture and a keen interest in research and development.

What is required from the successful applicant and what work will the successful applicant be undertaking?

Successful applicants will be employed in the role of Farm Assistant. The Farm Assistant performs farming and field maintenance activities for the Department, including commercial and research horticulture, livestock activities and farm asset maintenance. The Farm Assistant works as part of a team supervised by the Farm Manager.

Key accountabilities are:

  • Undertake general crop, pasture, animal and farm operations
  • Horticultural activities such as irrigation scheduling, pruning, herbicide and insecticide spraying, harvest, and cover cropping
  • Handle livestock and maintain the welfare of farm animals
  • Operate and maintain tractors and other farm equipment
  • Maintain farm and grounds as required including fencing, road works maintenance, and repair of Department buildings, plant and structures
  • Accurately record details of stock, paddock, chemical and machinery usage and of maintenance
  • Work as part of a team to support the research work of the Department

What is the process to be accepted into the Agricultural Pathways Program?

  • Recruitment for the roles is underway and closes Friday 25 February 2022.
  • Applicants to show a keen interest in one of the three available positions at Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Paterson.
  • DPI will review and consider applications for roles at its research stations at Menangle, Trangie and Narrabri.
  • Shortlisted candidates will undergo further recruitment processes to ensure skill mix and interests are matched.
  • Roles are due to commence in April across the three confirmed locations.
  • Once inducted, successful applicants will commence on-the-job training and formal training through Tocal College.

What locations is the Agricultural Pathways Program available in?

  • Cowra, Paterson and Wagga Wagga
  • DPI is also inviting applications for people interested in Trangie, Narrabri or Menangle as these locations may be available in the future

What is the duration of the Agricultural Pathways Program?

The Farm Assistance – Agricultural Pathways Program role is a 2-year fixed term position.

When do applications for the Program open and close?

Applications opened Tuesday 1 February 2022 and close 11:55pm Friday 25 February 2022.

Where do I go for more information?

To find out more about this opportunity and to apply, visit Farm Assistant, Agricultural Pathway Program.