Assistant Dairy Unit Coordinator

The University of Queensland; Gatton; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Queensland is seeking an Assistant Dairy Unit Coordinator to support the Gatton Dairy Unit in delivering high-quality animal care and herd performance outcomes. You will assist with milking, breeding and teaching support within a collaborative farm environment.

This full-time fixed-term role (HEW Level 5) requires a Diploma or Certificate IV with relevant experience, and competencies in pasture management, dairy cattle husbandry, AI and low-stress handling.

Qualifications

• Diploma with at least two years of subsequent relevant work experience or Certificate IV with extensive relevant experience.
• Experience in intensive pasture and grazing management, including irrigation management.
• Sound knowledge of dairy cattle husbandry, breeding, nutrition, health and behaviour.
• Competency in artificial insemination, milking and safe handling of dairy cattle using low-stress techniques.
• Experience operating agricultural vehicles and equipment with a valid C class licence.
• Certificate of Competency for front-end loader and MR licence, or willingness to obtain within three months.
• Blue Card/working with children checks and agricultural chemical credentials (ChemCert) or ability to obtain them.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, academic and research colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Manage pasture production, grazing and daily feeding programs for milking herds and stock.
• Coordinate milking and breeding activities, including artificial insemination.
• Maintain dairy, fencing, irrigation and pasture equipment for safe operations.
• Provide logistical and practical support for teaching, student experiences and research projects.

Skills

Pasture management

Dairy cattle husbandry

Artificial insemination

Low-stress handling

Team collaboration

Education

Diploma + relevant experience

Certificate IV + relevant experience

Tools

C class driver’s licence

MR licence

Front-end loader certification

Job description

About This Opportunity

The Assistant Dairy Unit Coordinator supports the Dairy Coordinator in the purposeful, day-to-day management of the Gatton Dairy Unit. Working within a collaborative commercial farm, teaching, research and extension environment, you will help deliver high-quality animal care, husbandry, breeding and herd performance outcomes that enable UQ staff and students to create meaningful change together. UQ is also strengthening pathways into the agriculture sector through its AgriSkills Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind program helping students from diverse disciplines explore careers in Australian agriculture.

Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Manage pasture production, grazing and daily feeding programs for milking herds, dry stock and replacement heifer groups.
• Coordinate milking and designated breeding activities, including artificial insemination, while monitoring animal health and welfare.
• Maintain dairy, fencing, irrigation and pasture-production equipment to support safe and reliable operations.
• Provide logistical, technical and practical support for teaching activities, student experience programs and research projects.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 3 months at HEW Level 5.

About You

• Completion of a Diploma with at least two years of subsequent relevant work experience, completion of a Certificate IV with extensive relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in intensive pasture and grazing management, including irrigation management.
• Sound knowledge of dairy cattle husbandry, breeding, nutrition, health and behaviour.
• Demonstrated competency in artificial insemination, milking and the safe handling of all classes of dairy cattle using low-stress stock-handling techniques.
• Experience operating relevant vehicles and agricultural equipment, with a current C class driver’s licence.
• A Certificate of Competency for operating a front-end loader, side-by-side vehicle and tractor, together with an MR licence, or the willingness to obtain these within three months of appointment.
• A Queensland Working with Children Check, commonly known as a Blue Card, ChemCert accreditation in agricultural and veterinary chemicals, and a commercial operator’s licence issued under applicable agricultural chemical legislation, or the ability to obtain these credentials.
• The ability to work collaboratively with operational, academic and research colleagues while providing practical support to students and research activities.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, mandatory immunisations and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

It is a condition of this position that you will be available to work on weekends and public holidays when required.

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

We’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone].

Applications close Sunday 8 November at 11.00pm AEST (R-70100).