Job Title
Department
Location
Grade
Line Manager (Job Title)
AHDB JOB DESCRIPTION
Genetics Manager
AHDB – DairyCo
Stoneleigh
Indicative salary £30,000 – £40,000
Head of Genetics
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT AND JOB

To provide support for the Head of Genetics in the operation and development of
national genetic (incl. genomic) evaluations for dairy cattle

To undertake project management on genetic evaluations projects and initiatives

To focus on supporting communication of genetic evaluations and breeding tools and
their use in dairy cattle breeding with farmers and the wider industry

To ensure that there is adequate, appropriate quality communication with the industry
and farmers regarding genetic evaluations and the breeding of cows
DIMENSIONS: AUTHORITY LEVELS & DECISION MAKING
To be confirmed
Budgetary responsibility:
To be confirmed – will likely be for individual specific projects
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/MAIN CONTACTS/CONTEXT
The role relies heavily on a close working relationship with the Head of Genetics, and will work
closely with the KT team in maximising usage of genetic evaluation information and breeding
tools by farmers
There will be significant context externally, with a wide range of people, but predominantly
people involved in the breeding industry and in conjunction with the KT team - farmers
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To support the Head of genetics in co-ordinating and running genetic evaluations,
covering whilst on holiday or otherwise unavailable

Take primary responsibility for the publication and communication of genetic information
on our website

Develop and update communication material to support the KT strategy of genetic
evaluation information

To build links with 3rd parties to increase communication and usage of genetic evaluation
by farmers

To spend time with farmers (in conjunction with the KT team) and answering farmer and
industry queries to improve use of breeding information and tools

Managing individual development projects as allocated by the Head of Genetics

Support the development of PLI and communication of its benefits to farmers

Support the development of a KT strategy for genetics/breeding

Responsible for delivering parts of the KT strategy for genetics/breeding as agreed as
part of the KT strategy

Support the development and rolling out to the industry of “Customised Herd Index”

Establish and nurture external (domestic and international) links to other information
providers with the aim of adding value and avoiding duplication

Represent DairyCo at industry meetings and conferences
Any other responsibilities commensurate with the post that the DairyCo Director/Line Manager
may require
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KNOWLEDGE / EXPERTISE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates will be educated to degree level or equivalent in an agricultural topic. An MSc or
PhD in Animal Breeding/Quantitative Genetics would be an advantage
A good knowledge of dairy cattle breeding would be desirable, although knowledge of breeding
of an agricultural livestock species would be essential
A number of years industry/academic experience in either research or research programme
management or Knowledge Transfer activities would be desirable
Experience of successfully addressing dairy farming audiences with complex issues is desirable
Demonstrable success in effective project management to ensure deadline delivery is
fundamental to the success of this position
Evidence of successful budgetary management is desirable
An ability to work with modern communication systems and IT, especially with the MS Office
package
This role will require some travel. A current driving licence and current passport are essential
OTHER ATTRIBUTES / KEY SKILLS/COMPETENCIES






Ability to effectively work with different types of people, including farmers, industry and
researchers
An effective communicator
Ability to handle and perform basic statistical analysis on genetic data files
A ‘can do’ attitude
Ability to work co-operatively and constructively as part of a team
Organised, diligent and with a good attention to detail
SIGNATURE (Postholder):
DATE:
SIGNATURE (Manager):
DATE:
3
April 2009
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