Your new company

Hays Senior Finance North Queensland is proud to partner with a State Government organisation dedicated to supporting Queensland’s agricultural sector. Their work spans market supply chain improvements, risk management, resilience building, and regional assistance delivery. Through research, development, and extension, they strengthen agricultural businesses across the state. We are currently assisting in the recruitment of a PO3/PO4 Agricultural Economist to join their Cairns-based team, working within the Far North Queensland banana, sugar, and grains industries.

Your new role

Join the Rural Economic Development team and contribute to the profitability and sustainability of Queensland’s agriculture sector. This role focuses on the economic evaluation of emerging technologies and management practices in sugarcane and other cropping systems. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading projects that deliver high-quality economic evaluations aimed at improving profitability and sustainability.

• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships within multi-disciplinary teams, including landholders, industry organisations, colleagues, natural resource management groups, universities, and other government agencies.

• Developing bio-economic models and applying economic analysis techniques to assess agricultural production, natural resource management initiatives, and policy impacts (e.g. gross margin analysis, cost-benefit analysis, partial budgeting).

• Analysing project data using appropriate economic methodologies to meet milestones and produce case studies, reports, papers, and other communication materials.

• Managing projects and workflow priorities independently to ensure timely and effective delivery of outcomes.
  
  This is a temporary full-time position based in Cairns until June 2026, with the potential for extension.
  
  

What you'll need to succeed

We’re seeking candidates with a Bachelor of Business, including studies in Commerce and Economics. You’ll need strong communication skills to engage with clients, provide advice, and present information clearly. Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams is essential.
We’re looking for high-performing PO3/PO4 Agricultural Economists to join a passionate and committed team. If you're driven to enhance profitability and sustainability in Queensland agriculture, we encourage you to apply. Mandatory requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, business, agribusiness, or commerce (including economics, finance, or accounting). Graduates are welcome to apply.

• A genuine passion for supporting the agricultural sector; applied experience in agriculture will be highly regarded.

• A valid Australian driver’s licence.

• Please note: A pre-employment medical assessment and Police Check will be required for this role.
  
  

What you'll get in return

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of North Queensland agriculture. The full-time temporary contract runs until 30 June 2026, with the potential for extension subject to funding. You’ll work in a supportive, collaborative environment, earn an attractive hourly rate, and gain valuable experience within a Government Department.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, please forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to shaean.williams@hays.com.au or call 07 40492922 for more information. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.