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Casual Livestock Research Assistant
Casual Livestock Research Assistant
School of Environmental and Rural Science / Animal Science
- Casual role (HEO3)
- $44.60 per hour, 11% Super
- Armidale based role with a weekly roster emailed the week prior.
- Free On campus Parking
- On campus gym and pool + sporting competitions
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing support
- Diverse and supportive workplace with UNE Ally Network, Equity Committee, Queer Space
About the role
The Ruminant Research Group is a collaborative team of internationally recognised researchers and assistants, dedicated to novel, high-quality livestock science. We offer an opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of research activities involving sheep and cattle, with a focus on improving productivity for Australias red meat industry and investigating strategies to reduce methane emissions. The work encompasses the full spectrum of research support, from managing livestock husbandry and welfare checks to the technical operation of specialised equipment, such as respiration chambers for continuous measurements of methane emissions from sheep and cattle. We practice low-stress livestock handling and work closely with an ethics committee to ensure livestock receive the highest quality of care throughout all research projects.
This role is situated within a structured environment where the integrity of scientific data relies on the meticulous application of protocols. Success in these studies is driven by staff who follow standard operating procedures and maintain consistency across set daily timeframes. Daily duties may include cleaning livestock pens, collection and precise weighing of feed offered and refused, feeding and weighing livestock, and collection of biological samples such as rumen fluid, blood or excreta. There is also a large component of data recording, requiring rigorous attention to detail whilst maintaining confidentiality. Work may also include mixing feed in our on-site mill or supporting larger-scale experiments at UNEs Tullimba feedlot near Kingstown. Research activities occur seven days per week. Whilst there is no guarantee with casual shifts, for us to meet operational requirements, applicants need to be able to offer at least 3 days a week of availability, with at least 1 weekend day. While rosters vary, staff who can demonstrate and maintain this availability will be better placed when we are allocating shifts.
About you / Selection Criteria
To be successful in this role, you need:
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively both in a team and independently
- Must demonstrate experience working with livestock, particularly cattle in confined spaces such as yards (this is a safety requirement and applicants without livestock experience will not be considered for the role).
- Strong work ethic, with reliability and time management skills most research is performed within tight timeframes and following standard operating procedures Medical documentation of Q-fever vaccination or prior immunity, or willingness to undergo testing and vaccination
- Fluent spoken and written English if English is not your first language
- Willingness to obtain mandatory national police check prior to being contracted
- Availability of three or more days per week, particularly weekends (highly desirable)
About the Faculty/School/Department
The School of Environmental and Rural Science (ERS) is a research-intensive School that attracts external competitive funding to support research at the leading edge of agricultural, ecological and biological research, nationally and internationally. The school spans seven disciplines: Agronomy and Soil Science, Animal Science, Zoology, Botany, Earth Sciences and Ecosystem Management.
Further information can be found on the website School of Environmental and Rural Science.
About the Ruminant Research Group
This position will support the reputation and infrastructure that UNE has established to become the leading institution for R&D in the mitigation of methane emissions from livestock through nutritional technologies. UNE has the strongest array of methane measurement capability anywhere in the world and has produced more than 40 refereed methane publications since 2015. Our staff utilise measurement technologies on campus (Centre for Animal Research and Teaching), at our SMART Farms and Tullimba Feedlot to answer novel scientific questions about livestock production and methane mitigation and advance UNE and its partners as Australia's lead national and international R&D provider in this field. The opportunities for obtaining new long-term investment in mitigation R&D are significant and growing. The position directly delivers on UNE's Future Fit thematic research priorities of Food Security (Food technologies and Future Food) and Better Health (Healthy Planet).
Enquiries
To discuss this role please contact Sigrid Mackenzie via email: smacken5@une.edu.au
- If you require any adjustments or support to fully participate such as an alternative format for the application form please contact your Talent Acquisition Consultant at jobapplication@une.edu.au or on 02 6773 3705.
- If you have a disability and would like a confidential conversation about working at UNE, you are welcome to contact our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team.
- For further information about this position, please see the Position Statement below.
Please visit www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une for further information about this position and other career opportunities at UNE.
To Apply
Closing Date: 11:59pm, Midnight Friday 10 July 2026
Reference No: 225255
Please submit the following documents by clicking the Apply Now button below:
Submit your application through www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une and refer to vacancy ref 225255
Your application should be comprised of:
- Covering letter;
- Responses to About you / Selection Criteria, giving examples of where you have displayed these qualities
- Current CV.
Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position.
About Armidale
Armidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquillity of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidales natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visit https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/experience. Information about relocation assistance.
UNE: A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
At UNE, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people and the unique perspectives they bring. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute their best.
We warmly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with lived experience of mental health or disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQIA+. UNE is committed to enabling all staff to thrive and ensuring that our LGBTIQIA+ community and staff from all cultures feel included and respected. Our UNE Ally Network is here for staff and students and for any questions, contact our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant.
About Our Process
At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values: Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Accountable, Be Connected. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome. The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role as indicated in the position statement.
If you are the preferred candidate for this role you will be required to provide UNE with a National Police Check prior to the university making an offer of employment. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically excluded from applying for this position (unless there is a particular requirement under law).
Please visit our Privacy Statement to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.
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