Position Description. Dairy Farm Assistant Lincoln University March 2018

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1 Position Description Dairy Farm Assistant Lincoln University March

2 Position Description Dairy Farm Assistant 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. The Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science fully supports Lincoln University s three main aims of Feed the World, Protect the Future, Live Well. We provide the foundation of knowledge for land-based sustainable food production. Throughout our teaching and research staff strive to improve productivity while practicing the environment and conserving tour unique flora and fauna. We are responsible for about 50% of all external research income to the University and have control of or access to over 1,000 ha land, including pasture and cropping farms, vineyards, horticultural research area, winery and plant nursery and four research farms. There are major teaching and research programmes on a wide range of associated agricultural and life science topics that include both laboratory and field investigations; collaborative research is also undertaken with scientists from Crown Research Institutes including those located at the Lincoln Agricultural and Science Centre. In additional faculty staff work closely with many other New Zealand and overseas universities. The Faculty comprises four departments: Agricultural Sciences; Ecology; Soil and Physical Sciences and Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences. The appointee will be a member of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. The Ashley Dene Research Development Station staff includes a Manager and a Farm Assistant, with technical staff provided by the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Ashley Dean Research and Development Station is a 500 cow farm located in Springston based on roughly 200 hectares. The farm operates a 54 bale rotary shed and is irrigated by 2 pivots and a lateral irrigator. Calving happens twice a year in spring and winter. Purpose The Farm Assistant will take a full part in activities on the farm and is responsible for the milking of the cows and their wellbeing while in the milking shed; stock handling; grazing management; irrigation and effluent management; weed and pest control. 2

3 Key Outputs Key Performance Indicators Technical aspects To carry out work as directed by the Farm Manager Ashley Dene Research Development Station. To play an effective role in stock husbandry. To take a full and active role in milking the herd. To take a full and active role in grazing and irrigation management. To report regularly to the Farm Manager, Ashley Dene Research Development Station on stock health, and such other matters which contribute to effective farm management. To maintain a uniformly high standard of hygiene at the dairy shed during and following milking. Administration Tasks are carried out in an effective and timely manner as directed by the Farm Manager. Regular reporting to the Farm Manager on matters relating to maintenance and improvements or plant. Regular and reliable attendance for duties at the agreed times. Prompt and timely reporting to the Farm Manager on individual cow and herd health matters. Dairy shed hygiene is regularly maintained to the high standard agreed by the Farm Manager. Maintain dairy records as required Complies with all legal and University requirements in respect of the administration Records of all work are maintained professionally and accurately All legal and University requirements are complied with in respect of the administration and management of all university records Treaty of Waitangi Support the University to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. Demonstrates, and encourages others to demonstrate, support for the University s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Health & Safety Becomes familiar, and comply, with all H&S policies and procedures. Complies with all Lincoln University legislative requirements in respect of occupational H&S. Reports any hazard that has come to your attention. Wears protective clothing/apparatus as required. All Lincoln University H&S policies and procedures are complied with. All Lincoln University legislative requirements in respect of occupational health and safety are complied with. The employer is notified of any hazard that has come to the employee s attention in the course of their employment. Protective clothing/apparatus are used where procedures or common sense would warrant this. All HSNO requirements are being met. Infectious diseases are notified immediately. All accidents, incidents and near misses are reported immediately. 3

4 Key Outputs Other University Responsibilities Comply with all legal and University requirements in respect of the administration Other reasonable duties, that are aligned to your skills and experience as required. Key Performance Indicators All legal and University requirements are complied with in respect of the administration Agreed KPI s are met. Staff Supervised The Dairy Farm Assistant is not responsible for the supervision of staff. Accountability The Dairy Farm Assistant will be responsible to the Assistant Farm Manager, Ashley Dene Research evelopment Station; Farm Manager, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences to the Dean, then to the Chief Academic and thence to the Vice Chancellor. Key Relationships The Farm Assistant will work in a co-operative and collaborative way with the following: Lincoln University Academic staff, especially those within the Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Visitors from New Zealand and overseas who are invited guests of stakeholders. Other employees of the Ashley Dene Research Development Station. Person Specification Qualifications Ideally applicants would have a diploma of Agriculture or equivalent technical training (AG ITO), majoring in farm management but this is not essential and all technical skills and experience will be considered. Experience The position requires: Preferably 1-2 years experience as farm assistant on a dairy farm, with experience of milking, cow management. You will be expected to be dedicated, enthusiastic, a good timekeeper. Technical Skills Ability to follow defined procedures, to record data accurately and to maintain clear and concise records as records. Empathy with dairy farming essential and an interest in research would be advantageous. Some dairy farm skills preferred. 4

5 Personal Attributes An interest in high performance dairying. The ability to work quietly and effectively with dairy cows. The desire to be an effective participant in a team working together to achieve a common objective. Good record keeping and communication skills. The ability to maintain accurate retrievable stock records and to communicate effectively with other farm staff. To comply with health and safety policies on the Ashley Dene Research Development Station. Reliable and punctual. The ability to undertake physically demanding tasks. Ability to work within the LU policies and procedures and promote a harmonious working environment. 5