Job Details

Position Summary

Primary responsibilities of this position include: Assisting in the operation of a research dairy using robotic milkers, including feeding, fetching, handling and cleaning of all classes of dairy and beef cattle.  Monitoring groups of livestock for health and following protocols for treatment when needed.  Monitoring, operating, and performing light maintenance on robotic milking machines.  Measure pastures and collect data as needed.  Assisting in cattle reproduction protocols, including breeding and heat detection.  Care for calves including vaccinations, feeding, cleaning, and data recording.  Performing limited outreach such facility tours or assisting in open houses. Field work as needed.  Other duties as assigned.

Position is Located at The Pasture Dairy Center, Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI.  Position is required to work weekends and non-traditional shifts, including limited on-call hours.  

Job Duties and Responsibilities Overview:

• Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Assist in day to day operation of a pasture-based dairy research facility
• Assist Dairy Manager and Assistant Manager with breeding program, including heat detection, bull selection, and artificial insemination
• Assist in seasonal calving system including postpartum cow and calf care 
• Assist Dairy Manager and Assistant Manager in training part time employees, volunteers, and interns.
• Preform other dairy related task such as feeding, bedding, and monitoring of dairy animals, including required record keeping.
• Follow research protocols to maintain integrity of the research data.
• Work with visiting researchers to provide support as needed.
• Preform minimal outreach, including guiding tours of the Pasture Dairy Center
• Be on-call for farm emergencies
• Lead special projects for the dairy as assigned by Dairy Manager.              

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

• Two years of satisfactory experience as a Laborer Agricultural II or an equivalent combination of training and experience is necessary.
• Expert knowledge in the feeding and care of a specific livestock type including, but not limited to beef and dairy cattle, swine and sheep.
• Expert knowledge in the maintenance of agricultural facilities is necessary.
• Course work in livestock care and disease recognition is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator license(s) is necessary.
• May require possession or attainment of an MSU Fork Lift operator''s permit prior to completion of applicable probation or trial period.
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds is required.

Desired Qualifications

Additional desired qualifications are as follows:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, Fisheries & Wildlife, or related field or equivalent experience.  
• Experience with an Automated Milking System
• Ability to repair (or learn to repair) and maintain simple issues associated with the automated milking systems
• Data Entry experience
• Ability or Desire to learn to Artificially inseminate Cattle 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a resume.

Together-we-will Statement

Work Hours

Shift work either 4:00a.m.-12:00p.m. or 2:00p.m.-10:00p.m.. Some weekend shifts required.

Building Location

KELLOGG BIOLOGICAL STATION

Summary of Physical Demands

There is frequent lifting and carrying of items over 25lbs -50 lbs. and occasional lifting and carrying of items up to 75lbs. Additionally there is pushing/pulling of farm equipment and routine climbing of ladder or stairs.

Summary of Health Risks

In this position you will work with unfixed animal tissue, be required to wear a respirator for certain job tasks, may work in a noisy environment that requires ear protection, and will be working a physically intense job.