Casual Livestock Research AssistantSchool of Environmental and Rural ScienceCasual Professional Level 3 ($41.16), with a 1-month equivalent probationary period on Casual Professional Level 2 ($39.18)Plus 11.5 % employer superannuationArmidale CampusApplicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position (UNE will not provide sponsorship for this position)Acknowledgement of CountryThe University of New England (UNE) is a regionally based, globally networked university renowned for the quality of its student experience and the excellence of its research specialisations.
In addition, UNE pioneered teaching to external students making it the most experienced provider of distance and innovative online education.
UNE emphasises its people, staff and students' growth and development.
We aspire to be a leader in innovation and change and a centre for the Armidale and the North-West communities.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the core values of UNE and we are committed to engaging, supporting and growing a richly diverse workforce.
From the Oorala Aboriginal Centre at the heart of our campus, to the inclusive organisations such as the UNE Ally Network, the UNE Womens Society, and the many international cultural groups - all will feel valued and respected at UNE.You will embody the UNE values and strive to be Open, Enquiring, Exceptional and Making a Difference.
Additionally, you will be committed to achieving the goals embedded in the Future Fit Strategic Plan Future Fit 2021-2030: Personalised Learning Journeys, Empowering Communities, and Building Resilience.About the roleCasual research assistants with the Ruminant Research Group will be involved in a variety of research activities with sheep and cattle.
Within a strictly controlled research environment, these activities are dependent on staff following explicit direction and completing tasks within set timeframes every day.
Some of these activities include, livestock husbandry and welfare checks, daily cleaning of livestock pens, collection and weighing of feed and refused feed, weighing livestock, collection of biological samples such as rumen fluid, blood or excreta and feeding livestock.
The feed is often made on site, which also involves working in our private feed mill.
There is also a large component of data collection, from basic record keeping to assisting with the collection of research data, such as methane output, via the use of methane chambers and occasionally green feeders.
UNE also has its own feedlot situated 45 minutes out of Armidale, where we collect bulk feed each week, and occasionally run trials.
We practice low stress livestock handling and work closely with an ethics committee to ensure the livestock have the highest quality of care whilst partaking in any research project.Shifts are available 7 days per week.About youTo be successful in this role, you will have:Have demonstrated attention to detailDemonstrated successful team experience.Demonstrated experience working with livestock, particularly cattle.Have a strong work ethic, demonstrating reliability and time management skills, as most research is performed within tight time constraints for data to be collected consistently.Must have medical documentation of either a q-fever vaccination or prior immunity, or willingness to undergo the tests and be vaccinated.Speak and write English fluently if English is not your first language.Research is the collection of preliminary data, and until it is published, staff must maintain a high level of confidentiality, therefore, you need to show respect to the boundaries of each research project, as well as understand the Universities policies and procedures.
Must be willing to undertake compulsory online training prior to your first shifts, such as an animal ethics course.
Willing to obtain national police check prior to being contracted.Desired criteria - A manual driver's licence is preferable but not essential.This role will be casual without guarantee of a minimum number of shifts per week, however availability of three or more days/week, particularly weekends is highly desirable.About the Faculty/GroupThe School of Environmental and Rural Science (ERS) is a research-intensive School that attracts external competitive funding to support research at the leading edge of agricultural, ecological and biological research, nationally and internationally.
The School spans seven disciplines: Agronomy and Soil Science, Animal Science, Zoology, Botany, Earth Sciences and Ecosystem Management Further information can be found on the website School of Environmental and Rural Science.The Ruminant Research Group This position will support the reputation and infrastructure that UNE has established to become the leading institution for R&D in the mitigation of methane emissions from livestock through nutritional technologies.
UNE has the strongest array of methane measurement capability anywhere in the world and produced more than 40 refereed methane publications since 2015.
Extensive on-campus and increasing SMART farm measurement technologies offer the prospect of scaling UNE's existing reputation in methane mitigation to underpin UNE and its partners as Australia's lead national and international R&D provider in this field.
The opportunities for obtaining new long-term investment in mitigation R&D are significant and growing.
The position directly delivers on UNE's Future Fit thematic research priorities of Food Security (Food technologies and Future Food) and Better Health (Healthy Planet).
Enquiries and additional informationTo discuss this role please contact Sigrid Mackenzie, phone: 0432287689 email: ******.
Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 18 May 2025Reference No: 225062Salary: $ 41.16 Level 3TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATIONPlease submit the following documents by clicking the Apply Now button below:Covering letter addressing applicant's suitability for the position, Addressing of the selection criteriaCurrent CVCertified qualifications cited in your application for this positionCommitment to Inclusion and DiversityUNE is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTQIA+ people.Link to Privacy Statement Applicants may be subject to pre-employment checks