Associate Herd Caretaker, East TN AgResearch & Education Center: UTIA

University of Tennessee•Walland, TN

24d•$18 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Herd Caretaker supports field operations at the East Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center, focusing on livestock care, farm labor, agricultural equipment and machinery operation, and crop production. The position also supports staff and faculty with the upkeep of the Research Center’s grounds, equipment, and facilities, and assists with outreach and educational activities, including classes and events. The role is based onsite at Little River Dairy in Walland, Tennessee. It involves regular overtime, regular weekend work, and occasional holiday work. The anticipated hiring range is $18–$20 per hour. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of livestock and agricultural operations.
Ability to work with large farm animals and livestock.
Ability to assist with gathering samples and minor medical procedures.
Safe heavy equipment operation skills, including tractors, backhoes, and skid steers.
Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions for long periods.
Ability to follow instructions and work independently as well as as part of a team.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Vocational or technical training.
At least 4 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Put out feed and mineral, maintain water boxes, assist with animal delivery, clean animal enclosures, and milk animals.
Assist facility leadership and researchers with harvesting grains, grass, and other forage species.
Operate specialized research equipment, including haying equipment, planters, and fertilization implements.
Operate agricultural equipment such as tractors, skid steer loaders, tillage implements, planters, sprayers, hay equipment, rotary mowers, lawn mowers, and weed eaters.
Maintain records associated with animal care and regulations.
Independently support day-to-day maintenance of the Research Center’s grounds and infrastructure.
Provide primary support for mowing, spraying, irrigation, fertilization, and upkeep of landscaped areas and areas around or within research plots.
Perform carpentry, painting, road grading, equipment maintenance, and other general groundskeeping tasks.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Facility Manager or Director.
Support outreach and educational activities, including classes and events.