Description:
This position will work in the Animal Production Sciences unit within Agriculture Victoria Research at the Ellinbank SmartFarm. The Senior Technical Officer will manage and provide leadership to technical staff based at Ellinbank for Animal Production research projects. This will involve coordination of staff, field work, sites, equipment and infrastructure.
The incumbent will provide high level technical specialist support to Ellinbank SmartFarm, Dairy Feedbase and other research projects including staff management, the management of dairy cows, establishment and management of field activities, measurements, sampling and sample processing and analysis, data capture and management. The appointed person will have a key role in developing work plans in consultation with scientists to ensure that experimental protocols and procedures are implemented and to lead and contribute to the maintenance of experimental equipment and infrastructure, staff WH&S and procurement. The successful applicant will need to work effectively in a team and work collaboratively with a range of people including agribusiness, farmers, other technicians, and scientists. They will need to be self-motivated, well organised with good time management skills and able to work with minimal direct supervision. We are looking for a person with good practical and organisational skills, an aptitude to innovate and have a passion to effectively contribute as a team member to produce high quality outcomes for the dairy industry.
You will enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the branch.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications
- A relevant TAFE certificate or Associate Diploma of Applied Science or equivalent qualification or at least three years relevant experience livestock or dairy industries would be highly desirable.
- Knowledge of, or experience in assisting in the conduct of pasture, animal and greenhouse gas mitigation experiments and operating and maintaining specialised research equipment and instrumentation including sensor-based technologies.
- Demonstrated experience in managing the collection and processing of experimental samples (animal and plant), images, records and data with a focus on quality and reliability.
- Proven ability to collect, maintain accurate and logically set out data / records and an effective working knowledge of data management systems including, but not limited to MS Excel and Access.
- Demonstrated ability to cooperate and work well with others in the pursuit of team goals, collaboration and sharing information. This would include showing consideration, concern and respect for others' feelings and ideas and accommodating and working well with the different working styles of others
- Demonstrated ability to use initiative (proactive and self-starting), to supervise technical staff and assist in their development, including encouragement and adoption of DEECA Values. Mentor other new staff, junior researchers and students as required.
- An understanding of the principles of Work Health and Safety (WH&S), the application of Animal Ethics standards to research projects
This is a fixed term position available for a period of 36 Months. The work location for this position is Ellinbank SmartFarm, 1301 Hazeldean Road Ellinbank.
To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.
Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.
Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 08 April 2025.
Other relevant information:
For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform .
Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace
DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.