Feedlot Manager

About the role

The Feedlot Manager, under direction, performs daily operations of animal care and oversees feedlot operations to achieve operational goals and AgriLife Research standards. Position performs duties across multiple locations with majority of time spent at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo, TX. Livestock under management includes sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and working dogs.

Responsibilities

• Animal Care and Husbandry
  • Performs and adheres to feeding, mineral, and supplementation programs outlined by operation standards.
  • Identifies, examines, and treats sick animals according to animal care standards.
  • Takes primary responsibility for animal body condition scoring and production at the San Angelo Center.
  • Processes and handles supply procurement including bulk feed and veterinary supplies. Monitors veterinary drug use and withdrawal schedules.
  • Oversee the marketing of livestock including scheduling, transportation, and recording of livestock sold.
  • Covers working days of livestock across locations and primarily at the San Angelo Center. Working days may include vaccination, sorting, marking, tagging, weighing, and weaning. Conducts other working days requested as needed by Center faculty and management staff.
  • Responsible for accurate livestock records on management software. Inputs livestock data weekly and reports changes in weekly operations meeting.
  • Ensures pen and facility cleanliness, conducts maintenance, and identifies areas for improvement.
  • Communicates weekly with Research Center Manager and reports any variances from standard operating procedures or other issues of concern that affect operational goals and agency policies.
• Land Management
  • Conducts rangeland health assessments and reports pasture feed inventory in weekly operations meetings.
  • Plans, implements, and records rotations and movements of livestock groups across pastures at the San Angelo Center.
  • Prioritizes brush control in pastures and pens at San Angelo Center. Controls brush with chainsaws and herbicide.
  • Implements and monitors wildlife control systems for livestock predators including coyotes, foxes, and pigs.
• Infrastructure and Maintenance of Ranching Systems
  • Conducts preventive maintenance on all ranching equipment including chutes, gates, engines, feeding equipment, and tools.
  • Maintains livestock watering systems at the San Angelo Center. This includes water reservoirs, troughs, solar systems, pumps, pipelines, and remote monitoring equipment. Places work orders for major water system repairs or replacements.
  • Surveys and repairs any existing fences on pastures and pens. Prioritizes fence replacement orders.
  • Affords adequate custodial care of livestock barns and feed storage buildings. Organization and appearance of buildings align with EHS and AACUC inspection standards.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months of hire.
• Working knowledge of livestock feeding and care and equipment and facility maintenance.
• Working knowledge of low-stress livestock handling practices.
• Ability to evaluate the health of animals and execute next step protocols of care.
• Strong understanding of livestock feeding systems and balanced rations.
• Ability to safely operate a tractor and skid steer.
• Ability to safely operate a pickup and gooseneck trailer.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft applications including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to complete necessary reporting requirements outlined by the agency and state of Texas.
• Ability to become proficient in software applications for livestock management and business processes.
• Working knowledge or ability to become proficient in technology including Bluetooth readers, GPS, digital scales, Lora tech, trackers, and trail cameras.
• Ability to work independently once given a project.
• Verbal and written communication skills in a professional manner.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A CDL preferred.
• Cow/Calf BQA certification preferred.
• Current Pesticide Applicator License preferred or ability to obtain a license within 6 months of hire.