OPS Agricultural Assistant
About The Position
The Department of Animal Sciences Dairy Research Unit is seeking an OPS Agricultural Assistant to support various aspects of dairy operations, primarily milking, cleaning, livestock handling, and observing animals’ health and reproductive status. The position covers night-shift milking, normally Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and may sometimes require flexible hours. The employee must assist other employees in a consistent, professional manner. The role includes bringing cows to the milking parlor, operating and cleaning milking systems, following animal-care and milking procedures, monitoring animals for health concerns, maintaining dairy facilities and equipment, and assisting with care of newborn calves. This is a time-limited position. A health assessment is required.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Strong work ethic.
- Dairy animal care experience.
Responsibilities
- Bring cows from pens to the milking parlor according to farm procedures.
- Check pens and start the milking, milk-cooling, refrigeration, washing, and feed systems.
- Perform udder hygiene and attach milking machines; remove cups according to standard operating procedures.
- Prepare and apply teat disinfectant according to standard operating procedures and oversee cow movement from the dairy.
- Identify clinical mastitis, teat damage, lameness, and other illnesses; follow protocols for treatment and recording conditions.
- Clean and shut down the milking plant after milking and prepare the dairy for the next milking.
- Identify and correct problems with machine function and operation, and identify and correct unsafe or unacceptable milking practices.
- Ensure cows have adequate clean drinking water and feed, and clean stalls with adequate bedding.
- Clean barns and assigned flush lanes.
- Assist with maintaining grounds, equipment, and facilities.
- Assist with newborn calf care, including occasional feeding and providing clean bedding, clean water, and supportive care.
- Assist other employees in a consistent, professional manner.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
