Feedlot Manager

Texas A&M University System • San Angelo, TX

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Feedlot Manager, under direction, performs daily operations of animal care and oversees feedlot operations to achieve operational goals and AgriLife Research standards. Position performs duties across multiple locations with the majority of time spent at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo, TX. Livestock under management includes sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and working dogs. The role requires projecting a positive image of AgriLife Research to both the community and team members by conducting oneself with Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months of hire.
• Working knowledge of livestock feeding and care and equipment and facility maintenance.
• Working knowledge of low-stress livestock handling practices.
• Ability to evaluate the health of animals and execute next step protocols of care.
• Strong understanding of livestock feeding systems and balanced rations.
• Ability to safely operate a tractor and skid steer.
• Ability to safely operate a pickup and gooseneck trailer.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft applications including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to complete necessary reporting requirements outlined by the agency and state of Texas.
• Ability to become proficient in software applications for livestock management and business processes.
• Working knowledge or ability to become proficient in technology including Bluetooth readers, GPS, digital scales, Lora tech, trackers, and trail cameras.
• Ability to work independently once given a project.
• Verbal and written communication skills in a professional manner.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.
• Takes primary responsibility for animal emergencies, water, or fencing repairs after normal business hours at the San Angelo Center.
• Ability to operate agency vehicles and travel to and from the Martin Ranch located in Menard County, Read Ranch located in Crockett County, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo, TX, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Sonora Station in Sutton County as well as various other locations.
• Ability to occasionally work in extreme heat (>90°F) and cold (<30°F), walk distances of at least 1 mile and lift and work with materials and tools that weigh 50 lbs. or more.
• May be requested to pick up, haul, and deliver materials across all locations.

Nice To Haves

• Class A CDL preferred.
• Cow/Calf BQA certification preferred.
• Current Pesticide Applicator License preferred or ability to obtain a license within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Performs and adheres to feeding, mineral, and supplementation programs outlined by operation standards.
• Identifies, examines, and treats sick animals according to animal care standards.
• Takes primary responsibility for animal body condition scoring and production at the San Angelo Center.
• Processes and handles supply procurement including bulk feed and veterinary supplies.
• Monitors veterinary drug use and withdrawal schedules.
• Oversees the marketing of livestock including scheduling, transportation, and recording of livestock sold.
• Coordinates and conducts routine working days of livestock across locations and primarily at the San Angelo Center. Working days may include vaccination, sorting, marking, tagging, weighing, and weaning.
• Conducts other working days requested as needed by Center faculty and management staff.
• Responsible for accurate livestock records on management software.
• Inputs livestock data weekly and reports changes in weekly operations meeting.
• Ensures pen and facility cleanliness, conducts maintenance, and identifies areas for improvement.
• Communicates weekly with Research Center Manager and reports any variances from standard operating procedures or other issues of concern that affect operational goals and agency policies.
• Conducts rangeland health assessments and reports pasture feed inventory in weekly operations meetings.
• Plans, implements, and records rotations and movements of livestock groups across pastures at the San Angelo Center.
• Prioritizes brush control in pastures and pens at San Angelo Center.
• Controls brush with chainsaws and herbicide.
• Implements and monitors wildlife control systems for livestock predators including coyotes, foxes, and pigs.
• Conducts preventive maintenance on all ranching equipment including chutes, gates, engines, feeding equipment, and tools.
• Monitors and conducts light repairs on livestock watering systems at the San Angelo Center. This includes water reservoirs, troughs, solar systems, pumps, pipelines, and remote monitoring equipment.
• Places work orders for major water system repairs or replacements.
• Surveys and repairs any existing fences on pastures and pens.
• Prioritizes fence replacement orders.
• Assists in maintaining adequate custodial care of livestock barns and feed storage buildings.
• Organization and appearance of buildings align with EHS and AACUC inspection standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
• Retirement programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level