Senior Technical Officer

This position will work in the Animal Production Sciences branch within Agriculture Victoria Research at the Ellinbank SmartFarm. The Senior Technical Officer will manage and provide leadership to technical staff based at the Ellinbank SmartFarm for Animal Production Sciences 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, Methane mitigation and other research projects including 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.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A middle level TAFE certificate or Associate Diploma of Applied Science or equivalent qualification or experience or at least three years relevant experience in dairy farming or other livestock industries.
• 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 experience in the management of experimental research trials and in providing high level advice and technical support to research projects and a proven track record of managing experimental resources, including staff, animals, equipment and infrastructure to efficiently deliver research outputs.

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 red meat industries.

This is a fixed term position available for 2 years. The work location for this position is 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.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 26 March 2024.

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. 

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.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au