Technical Officer - Livestock Production Centre

Technical/Senior Technical Officer - Livestock Production Centre

• Are you experienced in the farming industry?
• Setup and maintenance of livestock studies
• Full time, Fixed Term (end of 2026) based in Burnie

About the opportunity

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture is looking for a Technical Officer or Senior Technical Officer to join their team at their Livestock Production Centre supporting Animal Production and Welfare programs.

As the Technical Officer, you will provide technical support during the planning and conducting of on-farm research activities.  You will also support industry engagement activities within current projects and broadly promote a strong safety culture.

Depending on experience, as the Senior Technical Officer, you will provide leadership, supervision and technical oversight to the research and development activities. You will also play a key role in collaborating and fostering effective partnerships to lead industry engagement activities.

We are looking for a well-rounded, enthusiastic team player who has a great understanding of farming systems and can support research-based work as well as on farm work.

The position is based at the Cradle Coast Campus but also covers the Tasmanian Dairy Research Facility at Elliott and field sites around Tasmania.  Occasional travel to farms around Tasmania to establish field trials and/or to collect data outside of normal working hours may be required.

What you’ll do:

• Assist in the conduct of Research and Development programs, including setup and maintenance of livestock studies (mainly cattle and youngstock), sampling and recording of experimental work, preparation of samples for laboratory analysis, data collation and entry, preparation of technical/milestone reports, and using, maintaining, and preparing research and field equipment.
• Co-ordinate industry engagement activities within current projects, and other industry communications such as newsletters and fact sheets.
• Ensure safe work procedures are adhered to, and occasionally instruct and supervise casual staff and students in correct and safe use of research and field equipment, and in correctly following research project protocols and procedures.
• Occasionally travel to farms around Tasmania to establish field trials and/or collect data, and occasionally work outside of normal hours.

What we’re looking for:

•  A tertiary degree in a relevant discipline (i.e., animal production/management, agriculture, animal welfare) or relevant equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 
• Demonstrated ability to undertake the practical activities associated with the establishment and maintenance of livestock research, as well as collection and collation of data.
• Highly developed communication skills, both written and oral, with a proven ability to work with staff and students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Proven organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines, work independently with limited supervision, and participate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong WHS knowledge and safe work systems management, including hazards associated with working with livestock.
• Experience in handling and managing livestock, while maintaining high welfare standards.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 5 or 6 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $110,273 comprising base salary within the range of $76,302 to $94,250 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Megan Verdon, Research Fellow on ************@utas.edu.au or 03 64301***.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - Technical Officer - Livestock Production Centre.pdf

 Position Description - Senior Technical Officer - Livestock Production Centre.pdf

Applications close Monday, 11 March 2024, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role.