Jobs and Careers

Apprentice in Dairy Production

• Assists with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the farm, as well as TDRF’s commercial production activities
• Develop knowledge of farming practices, including workplace health and safety processes
• Full time, a 3-year apprenticeship position, based in Burnie

About the opportunity

The TIA Dairy Research Facility (TDRF) is a 220-hectare farm running a herd of approximately 350 milking cows. The farm facilities include a state-of-the-art 50 bail rotary dairy with individual cow milk monitoring, walk over weigh scales, body condition score unit and other advanced technologies to support TIA’s research programs. The TDRF hosts research, development and extension activities provided through the TIA Livestock Production Centre’s Research Development and Extension (RD&E) programs.

The Apprentice will support the TDRF’s commercial production activities and will be exposed to all aspects of agriculture with a focus on general duties of a dairy farm such as milk harvesting operations, stock handling and feeding, calving and animal health issues. The Apprentice will be part of a team that supports the day to day running and maintenance of the farm. This may include assisting staff and research partners to ensure successful research trial completion.

What you’ll do:

• Ensure all relevant project, work tasks or activities are completed to the required standard and timeframe.
• Undertake skill development in dairy farming techniques such as milking, feeding, and caring for dairy cattle, including understanding their health needs
• Learn to safely operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment used in dairy production
• Develop knowledge of farming practices, including workplace health and safety processes.
• Attend all scheduled training on and off farm as required by the apprenticeship training agreement.
• Ensure all tasks and activities are completed to the required standard and timeframe.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What we’re looking for:

• Basic understanding of WHS procedures and practices.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and use of Microsoft tools.
• Basic skill in the use and maintenance of hand power tools and small engines.
• Demonstrated interest in agriculture.
• Motivated individual who takes pride in their work with good housekeeping skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be a 3-year apprenticeship with total remuneration package of $36,378 comprising base salary of $31,093 plus 17% superannuation in your first year.

How to Apply

• This vacancy is being advertised internally only in the first instance to current staff.
• In submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Andrew Marshall, Dairy Research Farm Manager, aa.marshall@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 0080.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 500903 -Apprentice in Dairy Production.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 16 March 2025, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role.