Technical Assistant

This position works in the Animal Production Sciences Unit of Agriculture Victoria Research and will provide technical support for a range of agricultural research projects focused on improving the profitability and sustainability of pasture-based livestock systems.

The role of Technical Assistant is primarily to assist with conduct of specialised experimental work. This position will be focused on measuring pasture with either traditional destructive techniques or with novel sensors such as UAV-borne cameras. This position may also be involved with the conduct of experiments involving grazing livestock such as methane measurement, animal management, supplementary feeding, or preparing specific pasture allocations for experimental animals. The role involves implementing complex sampling protocols, collating experimental data, and sample preparation according to specific criteria. The appointee will also be expected to manage and maintain equipment, supplies and other resources, and will also be required to supervise and train casual staff in aspects associated with field work and sample preparation. The applicant will need to be flexible and willing to assist other work groups located at Hamilton and elsewhere with research activities as well as support farm activities as required.

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, 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 in the livestock industries or in agronomy would be highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking basic routine farm practices including pasture agronomy, management, and allocation and/or handling and husbandry of livestock
• Knowledge of, or experience in, assisting in the conduct of pasture or livestock experiments and operating and maintaining specialised research equipment and instrumentation including sensor-based technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, manage and maintain scientific data including implementing data quality control practices, use of relevant computer packages, and the ability to summarise experimental data for further analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member, operate under limited supervision, show initiative, able to manage workloads in consultation with supervisors, able to supervise casual employees and meet deadlines.
• A sound understanding of the principles of Work Health and Safety (WH&S) and the application of Animal Ethics standards.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 36 Months. The work location for this position is Hamilton SmartFarm, 915 Mt Napier Road, Hamilton.

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 Thursday, 26 June 2025.

Other relevant information:

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.