Genetics Intern (2 yrs fixed-term)

at  Livestock Improvement Corporation

ABOUT US

At LIC we value the NZ farming industry and are proud of our successful contribution to this sector. Our vision is to improve prosperity and the productivity of our farmers; and we want great people to join us on our journey.
Our Research & Development group at LIC are innovative and continues to be a leader in the Agricultural sector. The Research & Development group works closely with other departments throughout LIC to bring ideas to life.

Over the two years you will have the opportunity to work across 3 key areas of LIC’s Genetics business: Herd Improvement Team (Animal Evaluation), Livestock Selection (breeding scheme) and Genetics Product Team (marketing and product support). This will give you an insight into key aspects of dairy cattle breeding at LIC and learn from very skilled and passionate people. Your key focus includes:

• Provide support in the monitoring and delivery of outputs from LIC’s animal evaluation system (genetic and genomic), operating to NZAEL’s annual schedule of AE runs.
• Problem solve AE queries from LIC and the wider Dairy Industry,
• Provide support in the Livestock Selection Team for bull acquisition and data collection and analysis from the Sire Proving Scheme.
• Provide support and visibility of the genetic offerings to NZ Markets sales teams and product groups, providing methods, programmes and tools in line with NZ Markets customer solutions focus, ensuring the continued success of LIC genetics.
• Participate in a collaborative working environment within and across LIC teams,
• Continue to develop your verbal and written communication skills, to support extension activities (that aid our customer’s on-farm decision making to drive herd improvement, and across the industry in relation to animal evaluation, genetics and herd improvement).
• Continue to extend your technical expertise and knowledge through on-job training and personal development.
• Continue to extend your understanding of the NZ farming systems and how LIC’s products and services support the ongoing improvement of the NZ dairy industry

Reporting to the Herd Improvement Technical Manager, this role is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate who is passionate about animal breeding and is looking to further develop their skills and knowledge in Genetics.

Over the two years you will have the opportunity to work across 3 key areas of LIC’s Genetics business: Herd Improvement Team (Animal Evaluation), Livestock Selection (breeding scheme) and Genetics Product Team (marketing and product support). This will give you an insight into key aspects of dairy cattle breeding at LIC and learn from very skilled and passionate people. Your key focus includes:

• Provide support in the monitoring and delivery of outputs from LIC’s animal evaluation system (genetic and genomic), operating to NZAEL’s annual schedule of AE runs.
• Problem solve AE queries from LIC and the wider Dairy Industry,
• Provide support in the Livestock Selection Team for bull acquisition and data collection and analysis from the Sire Proving Scheme.
• Provide support and visibility of the genetic offerings to NZ Markets sales teams and product groups, providing methods, programmes and tools in line with NZ Markets customer solutions focus, ensuring the continued success of LIC genetics.
• Participate in a collaborative working environment within and across LIC teams,
• Continue to develop your verbal and written communication skills, to support extension activities (that aid our customer’s on-farm decision making to drive herd improvement, and across the industry in relation to animal evaluation, genetics and herd improvement).
• Continue to extend your technical expertise and knowledge through on-job training and personal development.

• Continue to extend your understanding of the NZ farming systems and how LIC’s products and services support the ongoing improvement of the NZ dairy industry.

  About You

• Agricultural-based tertiary qualification

• Recent graduate or currently in the last year of studies
• Has a passion for animal breeding and genetics
• Sound knowledge of dairy farming systems, and the NZ dairy industry
• Problem solving skills and analytical aptitude
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work effectively as part of a team, involving staff of all levels with a wide range of skills

• Ability to relate effectively and professionally to all levels of the dairy industry, dairy farmers and their advisors

  To be successful at LIC means you’ll thrive in a fast-paced, busy environment and you’ll be adaptable to change. You’ll also enjoy working within a team of dedicated individuals, and be able to deliver a professional approach when working with a wide array of customers.