Technical Services Officer / Farm Hand

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The opportunity

• Participate in hands-on, world-class, and innovative livestock research projects
• Work within a supportive, rewarding, and collaborative team environment
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s National Science Agency

CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Department applies world class multidisciplinary science and technology to create healthier, trusted, safer and more sustainable food and fibre for the future. Their gene to plate research has increased productivity and efficiencies at the farm level, improved the quality and yield of Australian crops, developed innovative food processing technologies, and created new value-added foods. With partnerships that span across Australian and twenty-five countries, CSIRO is fostering a shared vision to create measurable economic, environmental, and social impact.

Our Chiswick Research Station in Armidale, NSW, focuses on innovative agricultural research. There is an exciting opportunity for a Technical Services Officer (Farm Hand) to join this dynamic, hands-on team. In this role you will provide a wide range of services and support to livestock research projects, including the maintenance of up to 8000 Merino sheep and 400 Angus cattle. 

As the Technical Services Officer (Farm Hand) you will work in the field, providing the farm team with ag-tech expertise. You will bring with you demonstrated hands-on experience with sheep and cattle husbandry, farm maintenance and a strong commitment to teamwork and safe work practices.

CSIRO is committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all people thrive. We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage gender and culturally diverse people to apply.

If you’re ready to join CSIRO and be a part of innovative research and technology, apply now!

Your duties will include:

• Demonstrate best practice sheep and cattle husbandry.
• Manage digital livestock data systems and oversee trait data collection for cattle and sheep.
• Competently operate and maintain a range of farm machinery.
• Assist with compliance to a number of quality assurance programs, animal ethics and quarantine protocols.
• Monitor, identify and treat common animal health issues in sheep and cattle.
• Assist with the maintenance of farm facilities and infrastructure.
• Maintain a high level of technical (Farm Hand) support to research staff.
• Assist with pest animal and noxious weed control, including chemical handling.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
• Respond courteously and efficiently to client requests, maintaining clear communication regarding mutual expectations and monitoring client satisfaction.
• Look for opportunities to develop original experimental methods/equipment/software/concepts/ ideas in support of existing and further research.

Location: Chiswick Research Station, Armidale, NSW

Salary: AU$70k – AU$90k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite, Full-time

Reference: 96206

To be considered you will need:

Essential

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• Trade certificate/diploma/bachelor’s degree in an agricultural related field of study or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with electronic identification systems used in livestock, with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Experience in livestock handling, mixed farming activities and property maintenance tasks.
• Demonstrated experience in the safe operation of agricultural plant and machinery items.
• Knowledge of and a commitment to actively work towards improved Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental outcomes and safe working practices.
• A current driver’s license.

Desirable

• Working dogs experienced with sheep.
• Licenses/Qualifications to operate various machinery and plant items – tractor, UTV, etc.
• Chemical Handling Certificate, and experience selecting and applying agricultural chemicals in animal health and cropping applications.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check. 

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia’s national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

15 April 2024, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT

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