Animal Husbandry Technician

The role is full-time and involves managing dairy cattle reproduction and health to optimise milk production. Key responsibilities include conducting artificial insemination, tracking oestrus cycles, and performing pregnancy checks. The role also covers calf care, administering health treatments, detecting and managing illnesses, and assisting with calving. It requires operation of feeding and milking equipment, monitoring cow behaviour, and maintaining detailed health and production records. The position supports herd performance through data analysis, staff supervision, and collaboration with veterinarians and consultants to enhance overall productivity and animal welfare.

Benefits

We are offering an attractive salary of between $70,000 to $80,000 p/a plus super depending on experience and other factors to the successful applicant.

• Paid sick leave and other benefits as required by NES.

Task & responsibilities

• Conduct artificial insemination in dairy cows and apply heat detection aids like tail paint or activity monitors
• Record oestrus cycles and joinings, and assist in selecting high-yield semen for breeding
• Perform pregnancy checks via palpation or ultrasound and support breeding programs focused on milk production traits
• Feed colostrum to newborn calves and monitor growth and development of heifers for future herd integration
• Identify and treat cow-specific ailments such as mastitis, lameness, milk fever, and bloat
• Administer vaccines (e.g. BVD, leptospirosis), drenches, and mineral supplements; document health treatments accurately
• Observe cow behavior and rumination to detect early signs of illness, stress, or heat-related issues
• Assist cows during calving and ensure vitality, bonding, and recovery for both dam and calf
• Operate tractors, mixers, and feed equipment to distribute silage, hay, or TMR based on nutritional planning
• Manage feed rations tailored to lactation stage and body condition score, with input from nutritionists
• Maintain and troubleshoot milking systems including rotary parlors or automatic machines
• Ensure proper udder hygiene before and after milking and address any abnormal milk or teat injuries
• Detect and correct unsafe milking practices and enforce protocols for milk quality compliance
• Supervise junior or relief staff during milking, feeding, and herd handling routines
• Record data on milk yield, calving events, health treatments, and somatic cell counts for herd monitoring
• Analyze performance data to guide husbandry improvements and preventative health strategies
• Provide recommendations on sire selection, calf rearing techniques, and treatment options
• Coordinate with veterinarians, dairy consultants, and researchers to improve herd health and productivity

Qualification & experience

• Relevant Qualifications
• Hands-on experience in cow breeding, health monitoring, and routine cow care
• Proficiency in administering veterinary treatments to cows and maintaining accurate health records
• Ability to operate farm machinery for feeding, milking, and general husbandry tasks
• Strong observational skills for detecting cow health issues and supporting birthing processes
• Capacity to work collaboratively with farm staff and professionals, with good communication and supervision skills