Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm

Transcription

1 Position Description Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm DAIRY FARM MANAGER 1

2 Position Description DAIRY FARM MANAGER Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm Context Lincoln University is New Zealand s specialist land-based university, with a mission to tackle global challenges: Feed the World, Protect the Future, and Live Well. The University is committed to teaching and research excellence, and prides itself on its unique student experience and research culture that empowers its students, staff and graduates to make a real difference. With three academic faculties, two teaching divisions, several research centres, and a range of corporate service units, the University draws its students from throughout New Zealand and from over 60 countries. The University has a student roll of around 3,000 and approximately 600 staff. Lincoln University has traditionally owned and managed a variety of properties in its portfolio, of which the Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm is an integral piece of the portfolio. The Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm (LURDF) is used for both research and demonstration trialing concepts for potential commercial use. The details of the are: 210 Friesian x Jersey cows 56 hectare with Paparua sandy loam soil Fully irrigated (lateral irrigator and wiper pivot irrigator) Advanced milking system with cow identification, herd management system, individual milk flow recording and sample collection facility, plus individual cow in-shed feeding system Feed yards and animal handling facilities for small herds and individual cow feeding Conducts a combination of component and let research on soils, forages and cows to support all aspects of dairy production Research areas Research is conducted by postgraduate students and Lincoln University staff in collaboration with research partners in the following key areas nutrition, health and welfare, water and nutrient use, grazing behaviours, different crops and pastures, etc. Purpose The LURDF Dairy Farm Manager will be expected to work to key research objectives set by Lincoln University and at times, with collaborative partners, but also maximise returns from investments made in animals, soil, pasture and infrastructure. The LURDF Dairy Farm Manager will be expected to lead and co-ordinate the management of the operations and how they relate to the research expectations across the LUDRF. 2

3 Key Outputs Research Support Liaise with scientific staff on the aims of the specific research projects Ensures that research protocols agreed with scientists in charge of projects running on are met Develops technologies and practices that accommodate research Participates in the planning, establishment and implementation of field projects/trials Farm Management Ensures the is presented as showcase for external visitors Manages the operation by applying good management practices Maximises profitability from research and milk production where possible Ensures stock are well cared for and are productive Ensures pasture and crop productivity is adequate to achieve objectives Maximises the benefits of irrigation use on Ensures procedures are in place to minimise environmental damage that may be caused by the use or storage of chemicals and effluent Excludes the potential biosecurity risks that potentially could have a negative impact on the and Lincoln University. Planning and Co-ordination Assist senior management in co-ordinating LURDF in accordance with the Strategic Plan, including planning the annual plan for the Team Development and Leadership Effectively manages staff to ensure delivery on agreed objectives. Ensures all employees they line manage feel valued as part of the LURDF team Reporting Provides accurate, informative and timely reports Key Performance Indicators Contributes to the design and implementation of projects/trials, including preparation of budgets Considerations around timing, techniques and accuracy of all research measurements are provided for Liaises with scientific staff to incorporate them as appropriate in research programmes and how it fits into the overall system Ensures LURDF staff know the impact of their actions on research and how to help, not hinder the process Monitors and communicates progress, issues and outcomes when necessary to the research staff Manages and maintains livestock, feed/pasture, equipment and other resources Assists with the management of the finances of the ing operation, including setting of capital and operating budgets, providing business case support material and sourcing information to support quotes Provides adequate financial information in a timely manner when required Ensures that all animals receive the appropriate care and welfare in accordance ethical standards stated in the Animal Welfare Act (1999). Effectively manages irrigation application and effluent disposal using the available equipment efficiently Undertakes regular feed quantity and quality measurements to assess available feed on hand, compares to animal demand and manages the deficits/surpluses Adopts training and procedures that ensures staff know what biosecurity risks could enter the herd or Manages the LURDF in accordance with the Strategic Plan, including the annual plan Participates in regular management meetings to ensure planning is in advance and analysis of outcomes are considered Establishes and manages individual and team performance objectives. Trains and develops staff. Provides clear direction and expectations to staff as to what needs to be achieved and how Supports staff in the development of their roles Reports against projects, income and expenditure, and team objectives to the Director of Farms, the Finance Manager 3

4 Key Outputs Key Performance Indicators Provides analysis of performance (Farms and Procurement), and the Head of Department for Agriculture and Life Sciences on a regular basis. Health and Safety Ensures the safety of all Lincoln University staff, scientists, and contractors that work on or visit the Ensures the LURDF and staff operates within the health and safety policies and guidelines set out by Lincoln University and complies with New Zealand Health and Safety legislation. Treaty of Waitangi Support the University to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. Is familiar and complies with all H&S policies and procedures. Reports and updates hazard register on for any hazard that was known or arises All paperwork is held current and accurate and staff are regularly engaged in health and safety requirements on Protective clothing/apparatus are used where procedures or common sense would warrant this. Infectious diseases are notified immediately. All accidents, incidents and near misses are reported immediately. Reports as required on health and safety issues to the Health and Safety Manager. Carries out on contractor inductions as per the guidelines stipulated by Lincoln University Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Demonstrates, and encourages others to demonstrate, support for the University s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Other University Responsibilities Comply with all legal and University requirements in respect of the administration and management of all university records. Other reasonable duties, that are aligned to your skills and experience as required. All legal and University requirements are complied with in respect of the administration and management of all university records. Agreed KPI s are met. Staff Supervised The LURDF Dairy Farm Manager will be expected to oversee the management of 1-2 further staff members. There will be an expectation of a high standard of staff management, whereby efficient time management of staff will result in high levels of work output at high standards, without it taking a toll on staff. Staff welfare is important, therefore the health and safety management of staff under the management of the Farm Manager will be their responsibility. Accountability 4

5 The LURDF Dairy Farm Manager reports to the Director of Farms, Lincoln University, but must work closely with the Head of Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences. ESSENTIAL: Diploma in Agriculture or a formal education equivalent to a tertiary qualification or equivalent industry experience Considerable dairy management experience Experience in staff management of multiple people Good knowledge of research objectives and techniques and how to integrate these into a ing calendar using good management practices Irrigation experience using pivot irrigators is imperative Likes the challenges of a research dairy and accept that research outcomes can often take priority over commercial outcomes PREFERRED: Leadership qualities understands the complexities of research dairy s and can manage the variety of people who are involved in the operation of a research dairy Proven expertise in planning, organising and implementing annual and strategic plans Possesses a high degree of technical knowledge and awareness of scientific research approaches on dairy s Confident communicator ability to talk easily with a variety of visitors who may or may not have an agricultural background Key Relationships Director, Farms HoD AGLS Finance Manager (Farms and Procurement) Other managers and staff within the Lincoln University Team Other scientific collaborative organisations Other visitors brought on to the Person Specification 5