Livestock and Farm Assistant Manager

About the role

The employee will interact with research professionals, faculty, the Superintendent, and the Department Head in general support of the commodity production, research, and educational programs of the research center and the department.

Responsibilities

• Participate in feedstuff production, irrigating, raking, baling, of both irrigated and dryland hay.
• Aid farm operations manager in seeding, spraying, irrigating, and harvesting small grains or other planted crops.
• Collaborate with Operations Managers and Mechanic, assist with shop direction & organization, repair of research equipment and operate and perform daily maintenance of all haying, farming/ranching and heavy equipment at NARC.
• Maintain and oversee all shop database records and assist with prioritization of equipment scheduling, maintenance, and repair.
• Participate in day-to-day animal health, well-being, and feeding activities.
• Participate in livestock facility operations, maintenance, and improvements.
• Aid in supervision of student labor for calving, livestock feeding and health, and facility maintenance.
• Keep accurate production records including hay and purchased feedstuffs.
• Collaborate with the Livestock Operations Manager, develop appropriate livestock feeding protocols and keep accurate records of harvested feeds and supplements fed.
• Implement studies, manage the cattle operations including daily feeding, collecting feed samples, processing feedlot rations, determining daily feed rates, and collecting data related to feedlot research studies.
• Participate in livestock watering maintenance, cleaning of pens and manure, and being able to run and maintain equipment for composting procedures.
• In the absence of operations managers, train and supervise other employees under the direct supervision of the livestock and farm operations managers.
• Assist livestock and farm operations managers to plan, execute, and perform safety meetings for all livestock operations employees on a regular basis.
• Assist and lead safety meetings and training.
• Assist and coordinate with all research projects as the need arises.

Requirements

• Associates Degree in Animal Science, Range Sciences or closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Demonstrated experience with cattle handling, behavior, husbandry, and modern management knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing facilities and equipment.
• Demonstrated experience supervising employees, primarily undergraduate student employees.
• Demonstrated experience of operating and maintenance and repairs with all large, heavy, or small equipment typical of farm and ranch operations.
• Demonstrated experience in feedstuff production, irrigating, raking, baling, of both irrigated and dryland hay and the equipment associated with that production practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, Crop Science, Ag Mechanics, or closely related field.
• Experience as an Ag or Heavy Equipment mechanic.
• Previous experience in developing or managing budgets and fiscal accounts.
• Experience in conducting or collaborating with agricultural research.
• Documented experience with Low Stress Cattle Handling procedures.
• Experience and understanding of university purchasing and other guidelines.

Skills

• Outstanding communication skills both written and oral both as a leader and a co-worker.
• Excellent record keeping skills and will be detailed oriented.
• Self-directed; and be able to make appropriate decisions in the absence or other leadership.

Benefits

• Salary range of $23.684/hr - $29.604/hr, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Schedule

• Must have, or be able to obtain, a research and demonstration pesticide license for agricultural plant pests and vertebrate classification.
• Travel and work outside of regular business hours is required, including some evenings and weekends.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles.

Physical Demands

• Maneuvering parts, equipment, and livestock weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Working in extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions.
• Walking on slippery or uneven terrain.
• Working with and around pesticides and dust born particles.
• Working with and around hazardous machinery that is extremely loud.
• Handling and working with unpredictable livestock that can cause severe injury.
• Working livestock while on horseback – must be able to manage horses in and around all ranch environments.
• Working in elevated positions (example: 90’ elevator legs or large grain bins).

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

• This position is critical to the research effort of NARC. The data must be collected with care and accuracy because the quality of data collected affects final research results.
• The individual hired for this position will have demonstrated the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and the public and will have demonstrated the ability to represent MSU in a productive, professional, and courteous manner.
• This person will have daily contact with local faculty animal and plant scientists and co-workers, frequent contact with the Superintendent and other NARC scientists, and routine contact with other MSU faculty, students, professionals, cooperators, and agricultural producers.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have outstanding communication skills both written and oral both as a leader and a co-worker.
• Have excellent record keeping skills and will be detailed oriented.
• Be self-directed; and be able to make appropriate decisions in the absence or other leadership.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

• This position is critical to the research effort of NARC. The data must be collected with care and accuracy because the quality of data collected affects final research results.
• The individual hired for this position will have demonstrated the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and the public and will have demonstrated the ability to represent MSU in a productive, professional, and courteous manner.
• This person will have daily contact with local faculty animal and plant scientists and co-workers, frequent contact with the Superintendent and other NARC scientists, and routine contact with other MSU faculty, students, professionals, cooperators, and agricultural producers.