Technical Assistant

Department-of-Energy,-Environment-and-Climate-Action; Shire of Baw Baw; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action seeks a Technical Assistant to support dairy research at the Ellinbank SmartFarm, focusing on pasture-based systems and methane mitigation projects.

You will implement experimental work, manage measurements and data collection, handle livestock, and assist with advanced technologies and field sampling. Flexibility for weekends and varied hours is required.

Qualifications

• Middle level TAFE certificate or Associate Diploma in Applied Science or equivalent qualification or experience, OR at least three years relevant experience in dairy farming or other livestock industries would be highly desirable.
• Demonstrated practical experience, or capacity to develop skills, in pasture measurement activities such as pasture assessment, feed sampling, biomass estimation, pasture allocation or related field-based techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and confidently around livestock and in farm environments, including following SOPs, animal ethics requirements and WH&S procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for dairy research projects at the Ellinbank SmartFarm and associated programs.
• Assist with implementation of specialised experimental work, including large-livestock and pasture measurements, on-cow sensors, animal husbandry and management, supplement feeding, methane measurements, and sample preparation.
• Manage equipment, supplies and resources; supervise and train casual staff in research and farm activities; coordinate field work and sample preparation.
• Work across weekends and public holidays; accommodate early/late starts; support other groups at Ellinbank SmartFarm and other locations.

Skills

Pasture measurement experience

Livestock handling safely

SOPs/WH&S adherence

Education

TAFE certificate / Associate Diploma in Applied Science or equivalent

3+ years dairy farming or livestock experience

Job description

This position will provide technical support for dairy related research projects within the Dairy Feedbase and Methane Mitigation program, and other research programs and farm-related activities at the Ellinbank SmartFarm. This includes projects that focus on improving the profitability of pasture-based dairy systems, managing climate variability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock systems.

The Technical Assistant is primarily required to assist with the implementation of specialised experimental work, including a suite of large-livestock and pasture measurements, the use of on-cow sensors, animal husbandry and management, supplement feeding, methane measurements, preparing specific pasture allocations and diets for experimental herds, implementing complex sampling protocols and data collection, and sample processing and preparation for analysis according to specific criteria. The appointee will be confident handling livestock. The appointee will be required to use and test innovative technologies that have applicability for the agricultural sector. They will 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 research and innovation activities, dairy farm activities, field work and sample preparation. This position includes weekend and public holiday work, and includes early and/or late starts. The applicant will need to be flexible and willing to assist other work groups located at the Ellinbank SmartFarm and at other locations where research and innovation activities are undertaken.

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 would be highly desirable.
• Demonstrated practical experience, or capacity to develop skills, in pasture measurement activities such as pasture assessment, feed sampling, biomass estimation, pasture allocation or related field-based techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and confidently around livestock and in farm environments, including following SOPs, animal ethics requirements and WH&S procedures.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 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) addressing the Key Selection Criteria and summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description , including the mandatory requirements.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History 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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [e-mail] .

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us .

Applications close Monday 23 November 2026 at 11.59pm