Adoption and Extension Officer with the Climate Innovation Hub

Responsible to: Knowledge Broker (Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Climate Resilience Innovation Hub)
Level: HEW 6

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
At Southern Cross University we strive for excellence. Our game-changing new education models bring a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes and quality of life. We harness the combined forces of compelling research, leading educators and our extraordinary communities to improve the university experience and make a positive impact in the world. Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.

Strategic Projects incorporates the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance and Farming Together and works alongside Research Centres and Schools to enhance their connections with Industry.

The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales (SQNNSW) Innovation Hub (The Hub), led by the University of Southern Queensland is one of eight national Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs flagship of the multi-billion-dollar Future Drought Fund. The Australian Government is investing $10 million into the Hub until 30 June 2024. Southern Cross University is a key partner in the Hub.

The SQNNSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, have resources spread throughout the region in a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model, to work collaboratively to address local climate resilience with the core aim of ensuring primary producers, agribusiness, regional businesses and our regional communities are better prepared for, and resilient to, future climatic events such as droughts and floods.

The Hub will engage an Adoption and Extension Officer in Bingara (based at The Living Classroom). This Officer will ensure a strong focus on primary producer as the customer and the uptake of Future Drought Fund tools and drought resilience practice and technological innovations at a localised, on-farm and community level.

POSITION PURPOSE
The position is responsible for working with the Hub’s Knowledge Broker and the Lismore Node Manager to deliver initiatives that align with the Hub’s Research, Development, Extension, Adoption and Commercialisation activities. As the Adoption and Extension Officer linked to Southern Cross University’s partnership with The Hub, you will help coordinate and implement proven information sharing, training, education and extension activities throughout the region to facilitate the extension and adoption of climate resilience practices amongst primary producers and those who support them and provide feedback and data on these events to the Node Manager for reporting.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Specific duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
• Maintaining relationships with key partners and other stakeholders, including primary producers, landholders, research facilities, traditional owners, industry, government, community and commercial partners.
• Driving uptake of new practice and technology innovations on-farm/at local level for improved climate resilience though, for example, the co-design and implementation of proven information sharing, training, education and extension activities events with field days as an example.
• Guiding primary producers to relevant knowledge, helping translate that knowledge into on-farm adoption and by explaining the benefits of new practice and technology via dissemination of a monthly newsletter
• Providing feedback to the SQNNSW Hub Knowledge Broker about drought resilience needs and successful approaches in their region.
• Helping identify and engage hard to reach cohorts who could benefit from the services and support that could be provided by the Hub.
• Assisting in developing and facilitating appropriate networks among Research and Development providers and industry to support the development of regionally coordinated approaches to extension and adoption.
• Assisting in the dissemination of information about the Future Drought Fund to relevant parties through a range of mediums (e.g. e-newsletters, social media, face-to-face events, field days, and podcasts).
• Supporting primary producers to use the tools developed through the Future Drought Fund (e.g., use DRSAT, undertake Farm Business Resilience training).
• Work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop agile solutions in response to changes in environment or circumstance.
• At all times, demonstrate commitment to the University’s values.
• Other duties as required, commensurate with the level of appointment.

SPECIAL WORK REQUIREMENTS
• Based at The Living Classroom, Bingara.

• A valid Driver’s Licence, with an ability and willingness to travel between all University campuses and other domestic travel in order to undertake duties, as required by supervisor or Head of Work Unit.

• May be required to start and finish work between the hours of 7am to 7pm and work occasional weekends and overtime when required.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Ideally, the appointee should possess the following qualifications, skills, abilities and experience:
• Qualification in a relevant discipline such as Regenerative Agriculture, Agriculture, Science or relevant work experience in climate resilience or agricultural systems. Must have completed either Holistic Management Training through the Australian Holistic Management Cooperative or Grazing for Profit Training through RCS.
• Demonstrated event management experience
• Demonstrated experience working with primary producers and landholders
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, website content, newsletters, evaluation surveys and other documentation
• Well-developed interpersonal stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity and a working knowledge of equity and WHS principles in the workplace.

MORE INFORMATION
Please contact Amanda Scott, Knowledge Broker.

Email: amanda.scott@scu.edu.au