Extension Officer

The Extension Officer builds strong stakeholder relationships and delivering practical, on-ground outcomes making a real impact for South Australia.

1. Make a real impact on wildlife conservation across South Australia
2. Build strong partnerships with government, industry and community
3. Dynamic role: engagement, projects and real on-ground outcomes

Shape the future of animal welfare in South Australia

Join the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and play a pivotal role in developing relationships and implementing wildlife programs across the state.

This is an opportunity to be involved in change that will have lasting impacts on wildlife, government policy, and community outcomes across the state.

About the Role:

As the Extension Officer, you will build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, bringing project and programs to life.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Build meaningful partnerships - Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to enable the successful delivery of projects and programs.
2. Drive stakeholder engagement across South Australia - Work closely with diverse stakeholders to inform and shape standards, guidelines, and codes of practice that support best outcomes.
3. Manage impactful grant programs - Administer grant schemes with integrity and precision, ensuring compliance with departmental policies, guidelines, and procedures.
4. Plan and deliver – Design and implement engagement, extension, and compliance strategies that support the department's legislative responsibilities.
5. Coordinate projects from concept to completion - Prepare and manage project documentation including plans, risk frameworks, timelines, and implementation schedules to ensure effective and timely delivery.
6. Provide trusted analysis and advice - Co-ordinate and prepare high-quality briefings and reports, and proactively identify risks and issues --delivering clear, practical recommendations to support decision-making.

To be successful, you will bring:

1. Proven experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
2. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally and with emotional intelligence --remaining calm under pressure, listening to different perspectives, and negotiating positive outcomes in complex or sensitive situations.
3. A high standard of written and verbal communication, with experience preparing, structuring, and tailoring clear, concise materials for a variety of audiences.
4. An ability to analyse and interpret information, assessing its relevance and implications to support sound decision-making and contribute to timely outcomes.
5. Capability to work with initiative and limited direction, using sound judgement to manage competing priorities, solve problems, and deliver results both independently and as part of a team.
6. An understanding of legislation, policies, and public sector processes, and the ability to apply these in supporting compliant and effective project and program delivery.

What can we offer you!

1. Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
2. Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
3. Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
4. Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
5. Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
6. Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
7. Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
8. Career development opportunities within the SA public sector.
9. Meaningful and rewarding career.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.