Milker - Knott Dairy Center

About the role

The Opportunity: As the Milker for Knott Dairy Center, you will be responsible for the daily milking of approximately 150 to 180 Holstein cows using a double-six herringbone parlor. In this role, you will perform a variety of operational, maintenance, and animal care duties, including routine daily, weekly, and monthly equipment maintenance; cleaning and maintaining milking and milk storage equipment; and ensuring the cleanliness of the milking parlor, holding pen, and hospital areas.

Success in this position requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team while supporting a variety of farm operations as needed. The two full-time Milker positions rotate between day and night shifts every three months, or as assigned by the supervisor.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include managing inventory of parts and supplies related to the milking operation, training and supervising students in proper milking procedures and safe animal handling practices, monitoring herd health, identifying and treating udder health issues, assisting with calving (parturition), and collaborating with research staff to collect milk samples and experimental data.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in farm work or maintaining livestock; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to work rotating day/night shifts every 3 months or as assigned by supervisor.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Ability to work flexible and extended hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in dairy or large animal agriculture.
• Bachelor’s degree in Animal or Dairy Science.
• Prior milking experience.
• Knowledge of sanitation in food processing environments.

Benefits

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

Pay

Monthly Salary $3,403 - $4,517 | Range 37 Steps A - M. Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.

Schedule

Day Shift: 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM (1/2-hour unpaid meal break). Night Shift: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM (1/2-hour unpaid meal break). Percentage Breakdown Of Job Functions: 50% Milking & Cow Operations; 30% Equipment Maintenance; 10% Sanitation; 5% Training and Research; 5% Other.