Position Overview
The HVI Technician is responsible for managing cotton fibre quality assessment activities through the operation, analysis and interpretation of High Volume Instrument (HVI) testing systems. The position provides specialist technical expertise in cotton fibre quality assessment, supporting growers, cotton producers and internal stakeholders through the analysis of fibre testing results, identification of quality trends and provision of practical recommendations to improve cotton quality outcomes.
Working closely with the General Manager and Operations Manager, the role contributes to the company's cotton quality management by ensuring accurate fibre classification, maintaining the integrity of HVI testing systems, interpreting fibre quality data and supporting compliance with recognised industry standards and quality assurance programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct cotton fibre assessment and classification using High Volume Instrument (HVI) testing systems to evaluate fibre quality characteristics, including fibre length, strength, micronaire, colour and other recognised quality parameters.
- Analyse and interpret HVI testing results to identify fibre quality trends, production variations and factors influencing cotton quality outcomes.
- Provide specialist technical advice and practical recommendations to growers, cotton producers, customers and internal stakeholders regarding cotton fibre quality, testing outcomes and quality improvement opportunities.
- Analyse fibre quality data and historical testing information to prepare technical reports and support cotton quality management and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor the accuracy and consistency of HVI testing systems by coordinating calibration, quality verification, routine maintenance and troubleshooting activities in accordance with recognised industry standards and the ProClass Quality Manual.
- Support the company's participation in industry quality assurance programs, including CSITC and USDA cotton testing programs, ensuring compliance with testing procedures and reporting requirements.
- Supervise and provide technical guidance to HVI operators and cotton classing staff to maintain consistent testing practices, quality standards and operational performance.
- Maintain accurate records relating to fibre testing, equipment performance, quality assurance activities and technical reporting.
- Assist management in reviewing cotton quality outcomes, identifying quality trends and implementing improvements to cotton fibre assessment procedures and operational practices.
- Maintain current knowledge of cotton production systems, fibre quality standards, HVI testing technologies and industry developments to support best practice cotton quality assessment.
Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience in cotton fibre assessment, cotton classing, agricultural quality assessment or a closely related technical agricultural field.
- Extensive practical experience operating and managing High Volume Instrument (HVI) testing systems for cotton fibre quality assessment.
- Proven ability to analyse fibre quality data, interpret testing results and provide technical recommendations supporting cotton quality improvement.
- Sound understanding of cotton production systems, fibre quality characteristics and agronomic factors influencing cotton quality outcomes.
- Experience applying recognised cotton quality standards, quality assurance procedures and laboratory testing protocols.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify quality trends and provide practical technical solutions.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate technical records and quality documentation.
- Well-developed communication skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly to growers, customers, management and operational staff.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, provide technical guidance and work collaboratively within a commercial agricultural environment.
Qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Agricultural Science, Agriculture, Cotton Production, Agronomy, Fibre Technology or a related agricultural discipline are desirable.
Extensive industry experience in cotton fibre assessment, cotton classing, agricultural quality management or cotton quality analysis may be considered equivalent to formal qualifications.
Key Performance Expectations
- Accurate and consistent assessment and classification of cotton fibre quality.
- Reliable operation and management of HVI testing systems in accordance with recognised industry standards.
- Timely analysis and interpretation of fibre quality data to support cotton quality management.
- Provision of high-quality technical advice and support to growers, customers and internal stakeholders.
- Effective contribution to continuous improvement in cotton quality assessment and quality assurance processes.
- Compliance with company quality procedures, workplace safety requirements and recognised industry testing programs.
- Accurate maintenance of technical records, quality documentation and reporting
Pay: $65,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
