Livestock Manager

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Job Description

The Yaqara Pastoral Company (PTE) Limited (YPCL) is a 100% Government owned commercial company. YPCL is the major producer and supplier of quality beef and produces quality breeding bulls to be distributed to small holder beef farmers around Fiji.

The Livestock Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of livestock operations at Yaqara Pastoral Company (PTE) Limited, ensuring optimal health, welfare, and productivity of cattle, sheep, horses, and goats. This role is pivotal in upholding industry standards, fostering compliance with regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement across all livestock management practices. The role reports directly to the CEO.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Livestock Health and Welfare ensured
Livestock health is monitored and managed according to the highest standards of animal welfare and security. Head Stockman and Stockmen supervision is ensured. Herds are monitored daily by horseback or vehicle. The welfare of animals is ensured by: Ensuring animals have access to water and food at all times. Monitoring grazing land to ensure livestock is properly fed and watered. Setting up and monitoring irrigation systems during drought. Identifying sick animals in a timely manner and providing proper treatment or contacting a veterinarian. Processes for livestock are executed effectively, monitored, and implemented, including: Branding and tagging. Castrating. De-horning. Administering vaccination programs completely and timely. Fences and shelter buildings are adequately maintained to meet requirements. Livestock inspections are carried out following accidents and for meat inspections. Identification of appropriate feed, chemicals, and pesticides for farming applications is ensured.
2. Comprehensive Livestock and Pasture Management Protocols ensured
Company and herd equipment are maintained to a high standard. Stockmen, herdsmen, and livestock hands are skilled through appropriate hiring, training, and supervision, including: Ensuring on-the-job training in animal husbandry such as castration and de-horning. New pasture and paddock creation is achieved through planning, identification, and investment, including: Planting new species of grass. Preparing pasture for grazing (steers, flushing of animals who have undergone artificial insemination). Continuous pasture assessment is ensured. Up-to-date market and industry trends are communicated to Yaqara business management, along with recommendations.
3. Livestock Management Standards and Compliance ensured.
Consistent adherence to occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations for staff. Compliance with weekly production plans. Successful establishment and execution of a comprehensive quality assurance program. Attainment of yield, quality, and production targets in livestock management. Full compliance with company policies and procedures, including rigorous adherence to good animal husbandry practices.
4. Continuous Improvement Strategies in Livestock Management ensured.
Enhanced livestock management procedures and compliance. Increased efficiency and effectiveness of stations. Technology-driven improvements in livestock management. Enhanced workforce competence through succession planning and on-the-job training.
5. Effective Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management in Livestock Operations
Emergency protocols for disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other crises, developed and maintained Operational readiness for emergencies ensured through regular review and updates of emergency procedures. Coordinated swift and effective response efforts during emergencies, involving relevant authorities, veterinary services, and stakeholders. Continuous risk assessments conducted through the identification and assessment of risks associated with livestock management operations. Risk mitigation strategies identified to minimise potential hazards and ensure animal welfare. Risk management protocols monitored and evaluated, to maintain effectiveness and readiness
6. Efficient and comprehensive Administration and Record-Keeping
Efficient stock management: Efficiently manage internal (between stations) and external (to farmers) stock movements. Maintain accurate documentation and provide weekly reports. Comprehensive record keeping: Ensure precise stock inventory records, including breed and health status. Maintain detailed breeding records, including insemination and genetic information. Document paddock management details, such as grazing rotations and pasture conditions. Develop and implement effective record-keeping systems for: Livestock identification  Health status  Breeding  Feed and nutrition  Pasture and feed quality Production Monitoring Monitor production metrics like meat weights, and growth rates. Track weaning weights, growth rates, and reproductive performance. Financial and administration records maintained Production and Operational budget monitored and maintained Timely submission of reports to management and stakeholders Maintenance of employee records
7. Yaqara's image and value standards upheld at all times
Yaqara's organisational values demonstrated and upheld at all times. Collaborating with other teams ensured for organisational benefit. Team members monitored and encouraged to uphold Yaqara's image and value standards. Yaqara's confidentiality and ethical standards maintained at all times. Passion for animal care and livestock management is valued and integrated into daily practices.
Product's Stakeholders
1. Operational and statutory compliance
Statutory compliant to laws and regulations Health and safety compliance Environmental compliance Operationally compliant to the organisation's policies and procedures

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Business Performance	Manage the performance of the organisation.
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Resource Management	Deliver results through the efficient and effective allocation and use of supplies , equipment and people.
Systems and Procedures	Develop and/or apply procedures to assist the organisation achieve its goals.
Communication	Exchange information through verbal communication
Customer
Commercial Focus	Optimize the commercial viability of the organisation.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
People
Team Orientation	Work in a team towards a common aim.
Facilitation	Assist the progress of work ensuring its timely and effective completion.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Compliance	Comply with relevant laws and the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Operational
Equipment Operation	Control the operation of specialised equipment, plant or vehicles to satisfy the demands of the assignment.
Maintenance	Monitor and/or maintain equipment, plant or vehicles in sound operating order.
Health and Safety	Establish and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Science	Animal Science
Desirable
Higher Degree incl. Post Grad Cert or Dip	Agriculture	Farm Management

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Minimum 10 years of animal husbandry experience required.
2. Knowledge of Livestock emergency response plan.
3. Thorough knowledge and understanding of animal health, nutrition, and breeding principles.
4. Excellent organisation and leadership skills.
5. Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
6. Thorough knowledge of regulations and compliance standards.
7. Physically fit and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
8. Good horsemanship skills, and ability to operate farm machinery desirable.

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Excellent command of English
Proficient in either or both the itaukei and/or hindustani language
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
First Aid Certificate
OHS

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Management Team
Farm hands
Station Manager/overseer
Station Personnel
External
Suppliers
Farmers
Consultants
Customers

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Achiever	Puts in effort to achieve a desired result or goal and is motivated by this end and the overall accomplishment.
Reliable	Is able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised, puts in a great amount of effort believing in the value of work.
Resilient	Cope positively with stress and catastrophe. Bounces back from setbacks, mistakes or misfortunes.
Interpersonal Styles
Forthright	Speaks out frankly without hesitation, showing a direct manner.
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Realistic	Shows concern for facts and reality, rejecting the impractical.
Thinking Styles
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Well organised	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner.
Disciplined/Systematic	Is controlled in conduct, shows an orderly pattern of behaviour, following a methodical and thorough approach.
Intuitive	Makes mental leaps without going through a rational thought process. Apparent ability to acquire knowledge without a clear inference or the use of reason.