Communications Officer
University of Western Australia
Australia

UWA School of Agriculture & Environment

• Great opportunity for an enthusiastic administrative and communications professional to work with a team of supportive staff within the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI) and working on the WeedSmart project.
• Full time, fixed term appointment until the end of June 2023
• Salary range: Level 6; $83,005 - $87,723 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities.  With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University.

About the team

The UWA School of Agriculture and Environment is a research intensive school in cropping, marine and natural terrestrial systems. The School offers exciting coursework and research opportunities and work on the four top priorities for humanity: Food, Water, Energy and Environment. The School is a major partner in the UWA Institute of Agriculture.

The Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI) is a national research group working in partnership with the farming community and industry to develop programs targeting herbicide resistance and to disseminate resistance control messages to encourage sustainable cropping across Australia.

WeedSmart is a national communications and extension project, with a team based in Australia’s Western, Southern and Northern growing regions. It is run out of the University of Western Australia and has both financial and non-financial partners, including, but not limited to agricultural chemical companies, machinery companies and agricultural research partners.

About the opportunity

As the appointee you will, under broad direction, implement communication initiatives to promote both AHRI and WeedSmart research and extension activities. You will work under the direction of the AHRI Manager and WeedSmart Manager to provide administrative support and also generate communications content for AHRI and WeedSmart’s extension objectives. This role provides scope to extend your skills further and your ability to pitch new ideas in the communications space for AHRI and WeedSmart will be encouraged.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, and/or marketing or equivalent competency
• Relevant qualifications in agricultural science, agri-business, agronomy or related discipline or equivalent competency are desirable
• Demonstrated passion for the agricultural industry is essential
• Substantial relevant administrative and communications experience at an appropriate level
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills including the ability to develop networks to ensure good interaction with a wide range of scientific and industry audiences
• Highly developed organisational skills and ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in a range of computing skills including website management, EDM development, video editing & database management
• Knowledge and understanding of farming systems and agricultural networks in Western Australia, or willingness to learn
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to work flexibly and productively as part of a team and to interact effectively and professionally with a wide range of people
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on presenting new ideas in the fast-moving space of communications

About you

With your sense of urgency and ability to work independently, you will possess exceptional organisational skills and the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines. You will have knowledge and understanding of farming systems and agricultural networks in Western Australia.

You will hold a current C Class driver’s licence and have a willingness to travel to the WA grain belt including overnight stays and weekend work.

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description. Please see the position description prior to applying: Position Description - Communications Officer (AHRI).pdf

The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: Monday 19 April 2021

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered.
• UWA has been awarded Platinum Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2019).
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.