SoilCQuest is an independent, for-purpose, not-for-profit, charitable, CSIRO Approved Research Institute bringing science and agriculture together to increase soil carbon and reduce emissions for profitable and resilient farming systems responding to climate change.

SoilCQuest’s Aim: Agriculture positively impacts our climate future.

Primary Purpose:

This role is instrumental in the successful delivery of SoilCQuest’s Organisation Strategic Framework initiatives:

• Research
• Innovation and Extension for Adoption - Carbon Farmscapes, Exemplar Farms, Carbon Drawdown and Retirement.

Position: Program Delivery

Reports to: CEO

Key internal relationships:

• CEO
• Research Agronomist
• Education & Stakeholder Engagement
• Communication
• Research Assistant/Social Research

Key external relationships:

• Exemplar Farmers
• Research partners
• NRM organizations
• Government agencies
• Industry associations

Employment basis:

• Permanent Part-Time
• 3 days/week, 7.6 hours/day (0.6FTE)
• Australia/Remote
• Remuneration package $55,000pa-$65,000pa ($91,000-$108,000 FTE) based on skills and experience

Position Summary

This position requires an outcomes focused, detail oriented individual, able to discern and engage effective task based activities from program logic outcomes, with deep understanding of agricultural systems and strong collaboration capabilities.

The role works under direction from and according to a plan devised with the CEO, consistent with the SCQ organisational strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide the delivery of projects aligned with SoilCQuest’s Organisation Strategy strategic framework
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary roles/teams across research, extension and communication activities
• Identify, coordinate and engage in funding opportunities such as grants, philanthropy and fee for service initiatives
• Ensure projects deliver measurable outcomes that advance soil carbon sequestration and emissions reduction
• Coordinate initiatives, timelines, budgets and resources across multiple concurrent projects
• Support research project planning where required with activities such as co-developing program logic documentation, background literature and data review
• Coordinate the establishment and operative functions of Exemplar Farms, meeting the administrative, procedural, relationship engagement and governance requirements of the relationship, including, but not limited to;
• Develop bespoke collaboration agreements with participating farmers in consultation with Research Agronomist
• Devise economic and environmental evaluation frameworks in consultation with Research Agronomist
• Facilitate knowledge transfer through workshops, webinars, and case studies in consultation with Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
• Coordinate relationships with Exemplar Farm steering committees in consultation with Research Agronomist
• Collaborate in the development and delivery of Carbon Farmscapes initiatives
• Support the development of stakeholder engagement and partnerships in close collaboration with Stakeholder Engagement
• Implement robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks for all projects in close consultation with Key Internal Stakeholders
• Conduct gap analyses and recommend strategic adjustments based on outcomes
• Maintain project documentation and ensure compliance with organisational governance as identified with the CEO

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualification in Agriculture, Science or related field
• Minimum 5 years experience in agricultural project delivery or extension
• Demonstrated experience delivering multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong understanding of Australian agricultural systems and farming practices
• Knowledge of soil science, carbon sequestration, and climate-smart agriculture principles

Skills and competencies

• High level attention to detail
• High level verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate information to a range of audiences in a fit for purpose manner
• High level stakeholder and relationship engagement capabilities
• High level ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision
• Accomplished working collaboratively in support of team and organisational outcomes
• Accomplished critical thinking skills
• Accomplished organisational ability
• Proficient use of cloud based technology and digital communication tools
• Proficient project management skills with experience in program logic frameworks
• Proficient ability to translate scientific research into practical farmer applications
• Proficient experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks

Personal Attributes

• Passion for sustainable agriculture and climate action
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of farming communities
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, collaborating as part of a dynamic, geographically diverse, multidisciplinary team with minimal supervision
• Effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, evolving organization
• Commitment to SoilCQuest’s values of Growth, Service, Environment, Education, and Purpose

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of carbon markets and environmental policy frameworks
• Experience with digital content creation and social media management
• Connections within Australian agricultural networks and communities
• Experience working with not-for-profit organizations or research institutes

Relationships

This role sits at the Program (Team) Lead level within the SCQ Organisational Structure, reporting to the CEO and noting key relationships outlined above.

To apply for the position send your CV addressing skills and experience against this position description to: andrew@soilcquest.org.au