Position Information

Deadline: February 28, 2017

Pay Grade: 30E


The University of Delaware dairy farm services the needs of the Department of Animal & Food Science by providing dairy animals for use in research, teaching and extension programs and projects. The dairy farm also provides a source of milk for production of ice cream and cheese at the UDairy Creamery.

Under limited direction of the Farm Superintendent, the Dairy Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily management of the dairy farm with a herd which consists of approximately 100 adult cows and 30 young heifers. In matters concerning research projects, teaching needs, and extension projects, the manager cooperates directly with the chairperson of the Department of Animal & Food Science and/or the project leader.

The Dairy Manager serves as the direct supervisor of two full-time dairy staff employees, five to ten student employees, and staff from other units of the farm when working at the dairy farm.

The Dairy Manager works on a daily basis with faculty, professionals and staff within the university as well as having contacts with professional and technical experts and business outside the university community. The Dairy Manager is responsible for administering the budget and obtaining outside services and products for daily operation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for all daily activities involved in managing of the dairy operation.
• Responsible for herd health, daily observations, diagnosis and treatment of sick animals.
• Work with veterinary staff from the University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center relative to veterinary care of animals.
• Responsible for artificial insemination; breeding decisions, ordering of semen, synchronization protocols.
• Keep accurate records of the dairy herd using the on-farm computer software (DairyComp 305) and the DHIA record system.
• Meet regularly with faculty involved with dairy production to discuss collected herd data and use this information to make appropriate management changes.
• Assist faculty and graduate students with collecting research data on an as needed basis.
• Provide dairy animals, equipment and facilities for teaching, extension activities and research projects.
• Participate and assist in teaching of laboratory sections of core classes.
• General maintenance and upkeep of all equipment and facilities at the dairy.
• Coordinate facilities projects and equipment maintenance with Farm Unit Manager or Farm Superintendent if Farm Unit Manager is not available.
• Confer with Farm Superintendent and Farm Unit Manager on types and quantity of feed needed for the dairy unit.
• Control expenses by reduced wastage, best price availability and competitive bid for services and equipment. Assist with preparing requisitions for materials by identifying possible vendors.
• Keep records of exported manures and land applied manures if done by dairy staff
• Operate dairy equipment and other farm equipment efficiently and safely.
• Supervise two (2) staff employees and part-time student help.
• Train staff and student workers in approved standard operating procedures (SOP) for animal care.
• Abide by all University of Delaware protocols and policies.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy and/or Animal Science or related field with a minimum of four years' dairy farm experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Supervisory experience. Managerial experience preferred.
• Experience in assisting with research protocols preferred.
• Proficient computing experience. e.g., Proficiency in Word, Excel, and knowledge of contemporary dairy record keeping software (e.g. DairyComp 305)
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to coordinate and implement innovative and cost effective ideas by using independent judgment to resolve problems.

Special requirements:

• Position is physically demanding and job tasks require work to be done outdoors, in wet, dry, hot, cold, dusty environmental conditions.
• Position may require the ability to use personal protective breathing equipment based on working conditions.

How To Apply

When applying please submit a one-page cover letter and your resume as one document. Also, please remember to provide names, addresses and telephone number of at least three references in the online application.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html





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