Job Description
Research Dairy Farm Manager Job no: 533094
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Alachua
Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60092000 - AG-DAIRY RESEARCH UNIT
Classification Title:
Agricultural/Food Scientist III
Job Description:
The Department of Animal Sciences is seeking a Research Dairy Farm Manager. The Dairy Unit represents a large portion of the department's investment in staff, operation budget, and research activity. This is a senior agricultural/food scientist position that requires extensive skills in independently managing people and research resources and defines goals for the Department's Dairy Unit. Provide research project oversight is provided to multiple faculty programs. As a key member of our research team, you will analyze existing methodologies, develop novel procedures, and lead research projects to improve the department's dairy faculty liaison. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing research projects, managing resources, and overseeing livestock care and production, while maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to:
Research and Development
- Responsible for overseeing activities administered by the research program or service area and in the development and implementation of procedures for the program/service area. Responsible for the management of multi-project studies for the Dairy Unit (DU) research herd of the Department of Animal Sciences. Closely analyze herd production, health, nutrition, and reproduction metrics; develop research, teaching, and extension activities at the DU through regular communication with faculty and collaborate with faculty and students with planning of research trials. Perform research to understand the genetic basis of traits such as growth rate, feed efficiency, and disease resistance in dairy cows. Investigate the effects of different diets, feeding strategies, and nutrient supplements on dairy cow growth, health, and production efficiency. Review scientific literature to stay up-to-date on new regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices in care of dairy cows. Critically evaluate existing research methodologies and data to identify areas for improvement and inform research decisions. Develop new and modify existing protocols and procedures to improve animal care, reduce environmental impact, and optimize feed utilization. The incumbent will also evaluate, improve, and develop standard operating protocols (SOPs) together with faculty and attending veterinarians, monitor and maintain compliance, and identify areas where efficiency can be improved. Present research findings to other dairy professionals, producers, and the public through presentations, and reports. Incumbent will work with faculty liaison and farm supervisor to develop and maintain an annual budget for the unit to ensure successful project outcomes.
Training and Supervision
- Training and mentoring of employees working with animals in the best management practices for dairy cattle production and health, ensuring they understand and can execute research methodologies and procedures. The incumbent will manage 10-12 farm staff and student workers at the DU who are responsible for milking, feeding, and care of the herd. The incumbent is expected to independently complete employee performance appraisals at least twice annually, evaluate current staff resources, and work with the faculty liaison and department operations manager to develop a working schedule and list of duties that will best optimize daily operations. Makes changes in methods and procedures as necessary. The incumbent will assure staff and student workers employ proper animal handling practices, proper administration of pharmaceutics, and conditions that promote animal well-being.
Safety Oversight
- Ensure the safety of research and laboratory. Incumbent is responsible for practices that optimize safety and well-being of staff, students, faculty, visitors, and animals while appropriately adhering to UF Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) rules and regulations. Implementing SOPs for dairy cow care and use in research, teaching, and extension, while ensuring the DU is up-to-date with medical records, medicine inventory, animal facilities, and equipment used in dairy animal health. The incumbent is responsible for the coordination of the DU IACUC forms with the faculty and attending veterinarians. In addition, the incumbent will develop and maintain SOPs associated with security (physical and biosecurity) at the DU. Working with the Department's Operation Manager, the incumbent will be the principle contact for issues involving local, regional, and state regulatory officials (i.e., Water Management District, Sheriff's Office, etc.).
-Oversee facilities and maintenance projects with the Department's Operations Manager and IFAS Facilities, Planning, and Operations (FPO). Driving will be required.
- Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Expected Salary:
$80,000 - $86,000 annually; commensurate with education and experience
Minimum Requirements:
Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and two years of relevant experience; or a master's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and five years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and seven years of relevant experience.
Valid Florida driver's license within 60 days of hire
Preferred Qualifications:
MS or PhD in Animal Science or related discipline.
Experience in dairy herd management and coordinating animal research trials.
Excellent customer service skills
Strong motivational leader
Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:Yes
Advertised: 10 Sep 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 17 Sep 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Job Tags
Full time, Local area,