Soil Education and Engagement Officer

About The Team

The Regional Soil Education and Engagement Officers are key members of the National Soils Education Opportunity (NESO) regional deliver network, responsible for delivering tailored soil education, training, and engagement across the Western region, alongside equivalent roles in the Southern and Northern GRDC regions.

Based at Murdoch University within the SoilsWest team, the Western Region role reports to the SoilsWest Director and National Lead, Associate Professor Frances Hoyle. The position collaborates with regional stakeholders and national project teams to co-develop and deliver practical, evidence-based education aligned with regional systems, industry priorities, and emerging soil science. Activities may include field demonstrations, virtual soil pits, workshops, blended learning, and contributions to online modules and extension materials to enhance soil literacy and best-practice adoption.

Murdoch University partners with the University of New England (Northern Node Lead), the University of Adelaide (Southern Node Lead), and the University of Western Australia (National WP4) to deliver a coordinated national program. Murdoch leads national coordination, communications, and administration, while Regional Node Leads drive region-specific delivery aligned with national priorities.

Your New Role!

The Regional Soil Education and Engagement position delivers regionally tailored soil education, training, and engagement activities under the National Soils Education Opportunity. It supports the development of scalable, evidence-base resources to strengthen industry training and capacity across the agricultural sector.

Working within a nationally coordinated program and guided by Regional Node Leaders across the Western, Northern, and Southern GRDC regions, the role drives regional education and engagement. It contributes to lasting impact through digital platforms, modular learning, and national soil knowledge hub, connecting growers, consultants, advisors, and partners to best-practice soils science education.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Plan and deliver tailored soil education activities (e.g. workshops, field events, demonstrations, blended learning) while building strong relationships with growers, advisors, and agencies, and acting as key regional contact
• Contribute regional insights, case studies, and gap analysis to support the development and integration of soil education resources, working closely with national teams and industry stakeholders
• Apply behavioural approaches to improve engagement and adoption, support user testing, and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities including surveys, feedback, and reporting

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (2 Years 5 Months) \| Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $99,697.00 – $109,844.00 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, soil science, environmental science, education, extension, or a related field
• Proven experience planning and delivering education, training or extension activities (e.g. workshops, field events, intensive programs) in agriculture or related sectors
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with growers, consultant, advisors, and industry, government, or research partners
• Experience contributing to education or engagement materials, incorporating regional context, case studies, and learner needs info scalable resources
• Strong organisational, communication, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently while contributing to a national multidisciplinary team

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Fran Hoyle, Associate Professor Industry Engagement for Research and Teaching Networks in Agriculture and quote JR105321 as the reference.

Applications Close on 07 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.