Livestock Project Officer

Be part of a team that makes a difference

The VFF is seeking a project officer join the Stock Sense industry funded extension team to deliver animal health and biosecurity information to Victorian sheep, cattle and goat producers including peri-urban landholders.

About the role

The focus of the Livestock Project Officer will work with the Livestock Project Manager and extension team to deliver animal health and biosecurity information to Victorian sheep, cattle and goat producers including peri-urban landholders.

Delivering a number of industry funded projects, the team provides information through events, publications and online content to help producers and livestock owners adopt animal health and production practices that improve profitability, animal welfare and Victoria’s biosecurity status. Topics include:

• biosecurity practices at an enterprise and industry level
• managing the risk of diseases, pests and weeds being introduced or spreading on-farm
• livestock traceability and industry assurance programs
• animal welfare standards and guidelines
• responsible and productive livestock management
• emergency response planning.

The Project Officer will contribute to a range of project activities. This includes programming and facilitation of events, curating, preparing and distributing relevant and timely industry material, and maintaining a point of contact through the industry funded extension team VFF Stock Sense

Responsibilities will include:

• Promote the awareness to help with the adoption of animal health, welfare and biosecurity practices and procedures.
• Contribute to the programming and facilitation of events and workshops for producers and industry stakeholders, including using networks to develop relevant programs and brief speakers on local issues or topics.
• Be well informed about issues in the livestock industries with a focus on animal health, welfare and biosecurity and proactively source and prepare information for communication to livestock owners.
• Liaise with and maintain networks in the livestock industry including with Government departments, industry organisations, researchers and technical experts, the supply chain and livestock producers to support the delivery of industry funded projects.
• Curate content for delivery across digital and traditional communication channels including Facebook, Twitter, website, quarterly e-news, articles, fact sheets.
• Help grow the online presence and delivery of animal health, welfare and biosecurity information.
• Attend industry forums where appropriate and industry meetings as directed.
• Other duties as directed by the Livestock Project Manager.

A commitment to the organisation, combined with complimentary values is essential:

United - One voice, one team, one dream

Effective - Delivering on a clear strategy, clear goals and outcomes and communicating them

Professional - Treat others with respect, accountable, calm, skilled, honest, competent, positive, and authentic

Connected  - Collaborate across the organisation, in touch with our members, their issues and needs, strong, clear networks with relevant external organisations

Innovative - Adaptable, modern, applying ideas across commodities, teams and members

In undertaking the Project Officer position, skills and experience required include:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or experience in agriculture or livestock production systems.
• Excellent oral and written skills to communicate scientific and technical information in plain English to farmers and other industry representatives, including delivering presentations and facilitating events in an engaging manner.
• Awareness of livestock production systems with a focus on animal health, welfare and biosecurity.
• Experience liaising with livestock owners, Government, industry stakeholders and members of the agricultural sector on issues relating to farmers.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Ability to work independently as well as being a supportive and contributing member of a team that’s motivated to deliver the project objectives.
• Competency using Microsoft Office programs.
• Willingness to support the mission and core values of the VFF.
• As this role involves the handling of confidential and sensitive information, the ability to maintain confidentiality and trust within the VFF is a requirement.
• The role involves some regional travel and overnight stays, so a current Australian Drivers Licence and flexibility is required.

Further details

This is a full time Maximum Term position until 29 July 2023 with the possibility of extension.

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience. Applicants must address the selection criteria in their application. The selection criteria can be found in the position description on the VFF website:

Careers Archive - Victorian Farmers Federation (vff.org.au)

Applications may be reviewed as they are received and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Previous applicants need not apply, thank you.

For more information contact Karen Thomas on 1300 442 481

Applications close Monday 10 January, 2022