Position: Genetic Projects Officer

Reports to: Genetics Program Manager

Direct reports: None

Term: 3 - 7 years

Location: Armidale, NSW 2350

Snapshot: The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) is an Australian public company that provides registration, genetic analysis and breed development services for members in more than 20 countries.  This position is a new role, to deliver enhancements in management of data and resources for genetic improvement, including managing new projects such as the 2021 – 2031 Wagyu Progeny Test Program.

Background:

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has rapidly developed its use of advanced genetic and genomic technologies to increase the rate of genetic gain in the Wagyu breed outside of Japan.   The AWA is the fastest growing breed organisation in Australia and has a unique position in that it provides global registration and genetic evaluation services for members in more than 20 countries.

AWA members have increased 250% over the last 10 years, with numbers of registered Wagyu increasing by 580% over the same period.  We estimate that the AWA is engaged with more than 80% of the Australian Wagyu Sector including some of the largest vertically-integrated high-value production companies in Australia.

The Role:

The Genetic Projects Officer will assist delivery of AWA’s new project initiatives and assist in delivering data management, genetic and genomic technical support services as part of the AWA team.  They will work very closely with AWA stakeholders including:

• AWA members whose herds and sires participate in AWA projects.
• Reproductive technology service companies.
• Research and Development organisations, including CSIRO and Universities.
• The Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and its BREEDPLAN team to register animals and load performance data as required;
• AWA recognised DNA testing facilities;
• AWA corporate partners;
• AWA staff and members.

Responsibilities:

The position will be responsible for the following duties:

AWA project assistance

Assist the Genetics Projects Manager with implementation of AWA projects including the 2021-2031 Wagyu Progeny Test Program and associated administration activities. This will include:

• Engagement and direct assistance of contributor herds and sponsors of semen sires
• Management of agreements and contracts for contributor herds and semen sire sponsors
• Assisting in the logistical management of all aspectsof the AWA Progeny Test Program including semen transfers, imports and exports, coordination and delivery of artificial breeding products
• Communication and management of semen transfers between artificial breeding centres, couriers and other services as required

Technical Services

• Data recording, accumulation, and management including on-farm data recording assistance as required

DNA Testing Services

Management and advice on aspects of DNA Testing Services including:

• Advise on various testing available to members
• Liaising with approved DNA laboratories
• Load and update various genotypes
• Accounting in relation to DNA testing services relating to the project
• Parent verification analysis and reporting results
• Consultation with members to resolve technical queries
• General troubleshooting regarding DNA testing, accuracy of samples submitted and genotype management and linkage to relevant registered animals.

General Duties 

• Provide support to the MSO team and Executive Team as needed
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures
• Assist with the development and maintenance of systems and technologies

Registration Services

All aspects of Registration Services associated with project animals including:

• Advising on animal registration
• Registering animals into the AWA database
• Maintaining animal registration details
• Assisting the Finance Officer with End of Month financial acquittals for the project

Other duties as required.

Location:

The AWA head office is located at Suite 6, 146 Marsh St, Armidale NSW. The position will operate from head office and may be required to travel throughout Australia.  A willingness to travel is required.

Remuneration:

This role is part-time, being 38 hours per fortnight.  The remuneration package will be commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate and will be in the range $50,000 to $70,000 per annum (Full Time Equivalent) plus superannuation guarantee contributions of 9.5%.

Enquiries:

To discuss this role please contact Laura Penrose on 0437 356 759

Application Requirements:

All applicants must supply the following documents for the application to be considered:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Response to Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria:

Essential:

1. Administration and time-management skills of a high order.
2. Significant experience and skill level in Microsoft systems including Word, Excel and Outlook.
3. Ability to learn and use complex computer database systems.
4. Ability to manage multiple processes and tasks simultaneously.
5. Well-developed written and oral communication skills.
6. Strong customer and teamwork focus
7. Current driver’s licence.

Highly desirable:

1. Experience in the beef industry relating to livestock handling, breeding, data recording and genetic principles.
2. Appropriate administration qualifications and/or undergraduate degree in Agricultural Sciences
3. Enjoyment of working in the rural sector.