Assistant Herder Position Available In Oktibbeha, Mississippi
Tallo's Job Summary: The Assistant Herder position at Mississippi State University involves assisting in the research management and production operations at the Bearden Dairy Research Center. This full-time, 12-month position requires a Bachelor of Science degree in animal and dairy science or a related field. Responsibilities include managing the milking parlor, assisting with breeding and medical treatments of dairy cattle, and supervising interns and student workers. The successful candidate must have knowledge of dairy operations, the ability to supervise others, and good communication skills. This position requires heavy physical work and flexible scheduling, including weekends and holidays. The anticipated appointment date is June 2025. Salary Grade: 13. Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu.
Job Description
Assistant Herder JOB NO:
509116
POSITION TYPE:
Full-Time 12-Month
DEPARTMENT
016600 – Foundation Herds
LOCATION
Main Campus – Starkville, MS
CATEGORIES
Professional
POSITION OPEN DATE
May 2 2025
Position Function:
Assist in the research management and production operations of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Bearden Dairy Research Center (Bearden Center).
Salary Grade:
13 Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are “Unclassified” and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 575 undergraduate students and 20 faculty, both on campus and at research and extension centers throughout Mississippi. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200-acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and Bearden Research Dairy. The Bearden Dairy Research Facility is a 1,200 acre farm with 135-150 free-stall housed lactating cows, milking ~100 Holsteins and ~35 Jerseys in a modern Double 8 parallel milking parlor that was renovated in 2021-2022. The heifer/dry cow facility can house ~100 head. The cull cow herd of ~25-35 head is used for teaching in Animal and Dairy Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine.
Area of Specialization:
Dairy Unit Anticipated Appointment Date:
June 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 1. Managing the milking parlor.
2. Assisting with breeding and medical treatments of dairy cattle.
3. Extensive computer record-keeping that includes the management of spreadsheets and commercial programs that control milking parlor function.
4. Assist with research activities.
5. Train and observe student workers and interns with milking procedures.
6. Assist with preparation and delivery of rations.
7. Assist with heifer development and routine maintenance and cleaning of milking facilities.
8. Supervision of interns and student workers.
9. Any other duties as directed by the Dairy Herder. Shifts will vary. The successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as needed, and job requires flexible scheduling.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science degree in animal and dairy science or closely related field.
Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Dairy cattle production and farm equipment operational experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of dairy operations.
Ability to supervise others.
Good communication skills. Working Conditions and Physical Effort Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Instructions for
Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/ All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position. Attach to the online application college transcripts, resume, and cover letter. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. Three names of reference along with contact information should be submitted with the application. Any questions should be directed to Ginger Cavinder, PO Box 9815, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662)325-2803, or glc140@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
May 16, 2025, until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
