Technical Assistant

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.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

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Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 23 November 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

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 aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

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.