Dairy Assistant (Dookie Campus)

About the RoleThe Dairy Assistant role involves supporting the daily operations of a robotic-based dairy enterprise situated at the University's Dookie Campus. Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will coordinate activities within the dairy, oversee support staff, and contribute to the general operations of the Dookie Farm team. With approximately 180 dairy cows and a robotic milking system, the role encompasses both teaching and research aspects, alongside managing other elements of the Dookie Farm Enterprise, such as sheep, crops, and orchards. Dookie campus is an agricultural facility set on the tranquil rolling hills between Shepparton and Benalla in Victoria. Relocation support can be negotiated for successful candidates. Please note: This position requires the appointee to work in regional Victoria, where there is no public transport connection available. A valid driving license for Victoria is required for this role.Your responsibilities will include: Manage the Dookie cows including monitoring the health and condition of the cows and ensuring vaccination programs are up to date.Coordinate the joining/breeding program, including managing the rearing of calves and the cow transition program.Manage the milk production and the daily maintenance of the robotic milking equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.Manage the feed reserves and the dairy pastures, including the irrigation system.Assist the Farm Manager with forecasting feed budgets and the pasture budget and allocation. Who We Are Looking ForYou will contribute your teamwork attitude, along with exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong dedication to providing excellent service.You will also have: Completion of a relevant qualification or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training in dairy herd management.Demonstrated understanding of animal welfare regulations and legislation.Proven capacity to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision, including the ability to work as part of a team to ensure timely completion of tasks. For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD. Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.Your New Team – “The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences“The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences has a vision of science for flourishing environments and communities. The School brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices. Our expertise spans biophysical, social and technical sciences, and we support a large cohort of PhD students across these domains. Dookie campus has played a key role in the development of agriculture and agricultural teaching and learning in Australia since 1886 and it remains a focal point for the key research, teaching and technology development that is helping to shape the future of agriculture in Australia.Situated on 2,440 hectares the campus includes a small community which houses our students and teaching staff, merino sheep, an orchard, robotic dairy, winery and a natural bush reserve. What We Offer You!In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!About the University of MelbourneWe’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn. We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ApplicantsWe aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.