Beef Cattle Operations Manager

Washington State University•Pullman, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Beef Cattle Operations Manager manages the Department of Animal Sciences' cow/calf herd (Beef Center), feedlot (Cattle Feeding Lab), and meat sales operations (WSU Premium Beef). The role plans, coordinates, and directs personnel, facilities, and resources for major cow-calf and feedlot activities, including calving, breeding, nutrition and feeding, animal health care, forage utilization, pasture grazing schedules, and livestock sales. The manager ensures cattle performance meets or exceeds industry standards for breeding, growth, feed efficiency, and meat quality. In partnership with the meats laboratory and retail sales coordinator, the manager supports the WSU Premium Beef program by providing finished cattle and assisting with marketing whole and half carcasses. The role coordinates resources, schedules, facilities, communications, and organizational activities for research, extension, and instructional programs, and teaches courses as assigned by the departmental chair. The manager also oversees unit budgets, equipment, land, and personnel to promote productivity, uphold operational standards, and ensure financial sustainability, while building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across the beef cattle industry. This is a full-time, permanent, 12-month position based in Pullman, Washington. Overtime eligibility will be determined based on final salary placement. The monthly salary range is $4,508.70–$6,763.06, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science, or a closely related field, and three years of experience managing a beef cattle operation, including at least one year of supervisory experience.
A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of professional work experience.
Relevant education and progressively responsible animal care experience may be combined and substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge and experience with the beef industry.
Knowledge and experience with pasture and range management.
Knowledge and experience with budgeting and economic forecasting.
Must have, or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements under SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
One year of teaching experience.
Pesticide/herbicide license.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Certification as a Laboratory Animal Technologist may be required within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Manage the Department of Animal Sciences' cow/calf herd, feedlot, and meat sales operations.
Plan, coordinate, and direct personnel, facilities, and resources for calving, breeding, nutrition and feeding, animal health care, forage utilization, pasture grazing schedules, and livestock sales.
Ensure cattle performance meets or exceeds industry standards for breeding, growth, feed efficiency, and meat quality.
Support the WSU Premium Beef program by providing finished cattle and assisting with marketing whole and half carcasses, in partnership with the meats laboratory and retail sales coordinator.
Coordinate resources, schedules, facilities, communications, and organizational activities supporting research, extension, and instructional programs.
Teach courses as assigned by the departmental chair.
Manage and maintain unit budgets, equipment, land, and personnel to promote productivity, uphold operational standards, and ensure financial sustainability.
Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the beef cattle industry.