Position: Member Services Officer (MSO) – Australia

Reports to:

Membership and engagement Team Leader (Australia)

Direct reports:

• Nil

Background:

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) is rapidly developing its use of advanced genetic and genomic technologies to increase the rate of genetic gain in the Wagyu breed outside of Japan.

The (AWA) was formed in 1989. For more than 35 years, the work the Association has undertaken in maintaining a continued focus on genetic improvement has underpinned the progress of the Wagyu sector. Our global member base is now more than 1,300 members from 40 different countries. Our vision for the future is to support our membership, promote the Wagyu sector and advance production to benefit the entire Wagyu community.

The AWA maintains the world’s largest Wagyu database for parentage and genetic analysis with over 20,000 sires and 300,000 dams registered in the system. Each year, more than 40,000 new calves are added into the database. Analysis is undertaken by a leading genetic evaluation system on 14 key Wagyu production traits and four selection $indexes reporting the results every two weeks so breeders can make the informed breeding decision with the latest information. Over 200,000 genotypes are included in this analysis, along with large volume of pedigree and trait performance information.

AWA’s systems and services are critically dependent on accurate DNA parentage and animal registration to establish pedigree and enable recording of other performance information.  This feeds through to genetic analysis of AWA performance, pedigree and genomic information and the prediction of breeding potential through Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Indexes that are vital to breeding optimisation and genetic improvement. All DNA and pedigree and performance data is analysed by BREEDPLAN on a fortnightly basis.

Role:

The MSO will assist in delivery of the AWA’s Member Services corporate goals through assisting with all aspects of DNA services, animal registrations and membership establishment.  They will work closely with AWA stakeholders including:

• All AWA/IWC staff
• Helical (our databasing and registration services partner)
• ABRI (our genetic evaluation and services partner)
• DNA testing labs (multiple global genetics services labs)
• Overseas Wagyu Associations (AWA works with many partner Wagyu Associations in other countries)
• Herd recording software companies (to assist members to streamline data provision to the AWA

Responsibilities:

The position will be responsible for collaboratively, as part of the Member Services team undertaking the following duties:

DNA Testing Services

All aspects of DNA Testing Services including:

• Advise on various testing available to members
• Liaising with approved domestic and international DNA laboratories to submit DNA Testing
• Liaising with approved domestic and international DNA laboratories to receive MiP DNA parent verification and other test results
• Load and update various test results
• Maintaining Standard Operating Procedures for DNA Services
• Maintenance of DNA testing Bylaws
• Assist with innovating DNA testing and result systems
• Assistance in running Parentage analysis.

Registration Services

All aspects of Registration Services including:

• Advising on animal registration
• Registering animals into the AWA database
• Maintaining animal registration details
• Transferring registered animals between members
• Assist with innovating registration systems
• Maintenance of animal recording Bylaws
• Assisting with continued registration growth

Membership Services

All aspects of membership establishment and maintenance including:

• Advising on membership
• Recording new membership
• Maintaining membership details
• Maintaining Standard Operating Procedures for membership services
• Maintenance of membership Bylaws
• Assisting with continued membership growth

Other duties:

• Assist with loading animal performance data on the full range of traits recorded.
• Assist with providing advice to members about the recording or performance data and use genetic analysis results.
• Other duties as required.

Location:

The AWA head office is located at Suite 6, 146 Marsh St, Armidale NSW.  The position will operate from head office and may be required to travel throughout Australia.

Remuneration:

The remuneration package will be negotiable based on experience, plus superannuation guarantee contributions of 11.5%

Application Requirements:

All applicants must supply the following documents for the application to be considered:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Response to Selection Criteria (may be included with the Cover letter)

Applications close 8am Monday 30th June 2025, unless position is filled prior.

Enquiries should be directed to the Member Services Manager, Caroline Triebe on 02 8880 7706 or [email protected].

Selection Criteria:

Essential:

1. Appropriate tertiary qualifications and/or experience within the livestock industry.
2. Ability to learn and use complex computer database systems.
3. Ability to manage multiple processes and tasks simultaneously.
4. Well-developed customer liaison and written and oral communication skills.
5. Strong problem-solving, data interrogation and analytical skills.
6. Collaborative and engaging team member.
7. Strong skills in relevant software systems.
8. Exceptional attention to detail.
9. Willingness to learn, be accountable and show initiative.

Highly desirable:

1. Completed undergraduate degree in Animal Science or related discipline
2. Experience in stud stock breeding, recording and genetic principles.
3. Experience within the Beef industry.
4. ILR2 membership and animal registration recording skills.
5. Enjoyment of working in the rural sector.