Animal Science Farm Operations Professional

About the role

This position is responsible for providing leadership and management at the Tifton Animal Science Farm and supervising full-time and temporary farm staff. Responsibilities include working cooperatively with the FRS Superintendent, ADS Senior Farm Manager and faculty in planning, organizing, directing, implementing, and completing tasks associated with daily operations. Research activities on the farm include small plot to large-scale field trials and animal feeding and grazing trials. This employee will be accountable for promoting the image of the University by maintaining the herd and farm in a neat and attractive manner. Supervisory activities will include training, evaluation, and scheduling work; implementing protocols to ensure proper animal care and health; maintaining animal and forage production; procuring feed ingredients, supplies, and equipment; and supporting research, extension, and instruction activities.

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and direction to Farm staff, operations, and research programs: This is a “working manager” role. Hands-on large animal care, farm operations, including field preparation, planting, and harvesting; and ongoing facilities and equipment maintenance. Additionally, the manager will be expected to ensure that animals are fed on the weekends and on holidays
• Works cooperatively with the senior management and directs Farm Paraprofessionals to coordinate activities, including forage and livestock production, waste management, irrigation, equipment repairs, animal biosecurity, and research
• Communicates with faculty members and adheres to research protocols
• Considers the impact on research and study integrity before making changes to facilities and equipment
• Using the P-Card, purchases supplies and inventory as necessary for farm operations in coordination with the ADS Senior Farm Manager and FRS Superintendent
• Engages in positive coaching when directing students and inexperienced support personnel
• Maintains electronic records, including but not limited to field operations, waste, herd management and P-card
• Works signoff and transaction logs

Requirements

• Routine Animal Care: Provides oversight of routine animal care, such as assessing animal health, administering routine vaccinations, effective treatment of sick/injured animals, and branding/tagging animals
• Ensures staff and students are knowledgeable and comply with established standards and protocols
• Provides documentation and immediate corrective action when animal health is in jeopardy
• Works with FRS Superintendent, ADS Senior Farm Manager, and research teams to develop and improve standard operating procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Skills

• Previous leadership and/or management experience leading a multi-functional team
• Knowledge of livestock and forage production management practices required for the feeding and maintenance of beef cattle
• Ability to organize and prioritize work activities involved in beef production, forage production, and field research work
• Ability to maintain the farm, research, and beef management records as specified by research faculty and the ADS Senior Farm Manager
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to utilize computer technology
• Ability to work with cattle using low-stress cattle handling and follow Beef Quality Assurance best practices
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and direct coworkers and the ability to maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to be flexible and adjust priorities based on weather and research goals
• Ability to acquire and maintain Beef Quality Assurance certifications, Georgia Pesticide Applicators license, and a Class A CDL license
• Demonstrate technical competencies with seedbed preparation, planting, management, and harvest of forage crops

Benefits

• The college will provide the successful candidate with full-tuition support and flextime towards their obtainment of a Class A CDL license, which is offered through Southern Regional Technical College.

Pay

Commensurate with Experience

Schedule

Full Time

Contact Information

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.