Heshan Jayasekara
Kearneys Spring,Australia
Summary
Experienced Technical Officer specializing in plant science, hybrid trial management, and nursery operations within canola and sorghum breeding programs. Skilled in trial planting, field data collection, sample processing, and stock management. Demonstrated leadership in training and supervising casual staff to uphold safety and efficiency standards. Proficient in PRISM and MS Office, known for high accuracy and a collaborative, self-motivated work ethic.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Technical Officer
University of Southern Queensland
08.2024 - Current
- Provided technical support and training to staff and students on the use of farm equipment (tractors, ATVs, drones) and agricultural software, fostering a culture of safety and efficiency
- Managed and maintained civil material experiments, including mixing, casting, curing, and testing, ensuring high standards of trial integrity and data quality
- Supported practical classes and research activities by preparing and maintaining teaching and learning spaces, and demonstrating accurate use of laboratory and field equipment
- Analyzed technical data and contributed to the development of new practical experiments, supporting ongoing academic research
Research Officer (Sorghum & Canola)
Pacific seeds Pvt Ltd
02.2021 - 08.2024
- Planned and conducted glasshouse and field research trials on canola AXB program, including manual emasculation, pollination, and hybrid seed production for breeding and product development programs
- Coordinated the preparation and packeting of hybrid and nursery trial entries, racking up site entries, and organizing planting with field service staff and contractors in sorghum group
- Collected detailed agronomic data (flowering, disease ratings), processed and cleaned grain samples, and managed documentation for internal/external purposes
- Trained, supervised, and inducted casual labor, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and efficient completion of trial activities
- Maintained systematic stock records of hybrid and parent lines, and supported the introduction and quarantine of new germplasm lines in line with regulatory protocols
- Utilized PRISM software for data management and WHS Monitor for safety compliance
Senior Technical Officer
Department of primary industries, Northern Territory Government
08.2018 - 01.2021
- Supervised field and glasshouse research trials, demonstration sites, and extension projects focused on sustainable management of broad-acre and horticultural crops
- Prepared and coordinated all aspects of trial management: seed treatment, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and sample processing
- Collected, prepared, and analyzed plant and soil samples, and maintained accurate records for research and reporting
- Trained and supervised casual staff, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate completion of field and laboratory tasks
- Communicated research findings to stakeholders, organized field days, and contributed to project proposals and extension materials
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture Sciences & Management
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
01.2015
Diploma - Agriculture
School of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture
01.2002
Certificate III - public safety (Biosecurity response operations)
Tocal College
04.2019
Training course - soil health management
Territory Natural Resource Management
11.2019
Skills
- Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in plant science, hybrid and breeding nursery research, and agronomic data collection
- Proficient in all aspects of field trial management: seed treatment, packeting, planting, monitoring, harvesting, and post-harvest processing
- Skilled in sample collection, preparation, and data management using PRISM and MS Office Suite
- Strong ability to coordinate, train, and supervise casual labor, ensuring safe and efficient work practices
- Excellent verbal communication and relationship-building skills with contractors, co-operators, and research teams
- High level of precision, accuracy, and attention to detail in all technical and record-keeping tasks
- Self-motivated, flexible, and efficient, with a strong commitment to workplace health and safety
Certification
- QLD Full Driver’s license
- Forklift license
- Remote pilot licence (Drone)
- Chemical handling license
- First Aid Certificate
- Working safely at heights licence
Timeline
Technical Officer
University of Southern Queensland
08.2024 - Current
Research Officer (Sorghum & Canola)
Pacific seeds Pvt Ltd
02.2021 - 08.2024
Senior Technical Officer
Department of primary industries, Northern Territory Government
08.2018 - 01.2021
Diploma - Agriculture
School of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture
Certificate III - public safety (Biosecurity response operations)
Tocal College
Training course - soil health management
Territory Natural Resource Management
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture Sciences & Management
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
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