Technical Assistant

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Shire of East Gippsland; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Gippsland VIC is seeking a technical specialist to support dairy-related research at the Ellinbank SmartFarm. You will engage in pasture assessment, feed sampling and biomass estimation, contributing across multiple farm-based projects focused on profitability and greenhouse gas reduction.

The role requires meticulous data entry, safety around livestock, and strong teamwork with scientists, technical staff, and farm workers.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for dairy-related research projects within the Dairy Feedbase and Methane Mitigation program, and other farm-related activities at Ellinbank SmartFarm.
• Collaborate with scientists, technical staff and farm staff to support pasture-based dairy systems and climate-impact research.

Skills

Pasture measurement

Pasture assessment

Feed sampling

Biomass estimation

Pasture allocation

Education

TAFE certificate or Associate Diploma of Applied Science or equivalent

3+ years relevant experience in dairy farming or livestock industries

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Gippsland VIC

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.

To be successful in this role, the appointee will be a proactive and reliable team member with strong communication skills and a willingness to contribute across a range of animal, pasture and farm-based research activities. The role requires good attention to detail, accurate data entry, and the ability to work collaboratively with scientists, technical staff, farm staff and casual employees.

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 2 years. The work location for this position is Ellinbank.

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

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

Other relevant information:

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 ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.