Agricultural Assistant I

Agricultural Assistant I University of Florida - 4.2 Alachua, FL Job Details Full-time $17 - $19 an hour 10 hours ago

Qualifications Research Full Job Description JOB NO:

539887

WORK TYPE:

Staff Full-Time

LOCATION

Alachua

CATEGORIES

Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations

DEPARTMENT

60092000 - AG-DAIRY

RESEARCH UNIT CLASSIFICATION TITLE

Agricultural Assistant

I CLASSIFICATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

None

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Department of Animal Sciences Dairy Research Unit is seeking an Agricultural Assistant I. This position is involved in all aspects of the research dairy, included but not limited to milking and feeding cows, cleaning barns, milking parlor maintenance and repair, general farm maintenance, and assisting with crops and nutrient management. It is critical that the employee be adept at following written and oral instructions as directed by management, research and facility protocols. This position may at times require flexible hours. The individual must have the capacity to collaborate with all employees and to provide them with assistance in a consistent professional manner. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Milking operations: The individual will ensure proper operation of the milking routine and all milking equipment. The position requires the ability to quickly solve basic problems with all aspects of the milking parlor system. Maintain automatic recording system for milk production, monitor and maintain the milking parlor (cooling and wash systems, cleanliness) to keep the farm unit in compliance with state and federal regulations. Monitor milk quality and mastitis. Maintain accurate paper and electronic records using the farms herd management software. Assist with general herd care to ensure health, welfare and wellbeing of the herd.

Milk cow pen maintenance:

Ensure pens are cleaned daily and maintain adequate clean bedding. Monitor, maintain and repair fans and soakers in the barns. Assist with keeping equipment for research barns in proper operating condition. General farm operations including but not limited to maintenance and repair of farm equipment and facilities, crop production (field preparation, planting, and harvesting), feeding cows and preparing feed for research trials. Cooperation with faculty, students and others performing various research related tasks. Record keeping in compliance with research and dairy needs with an attention to detail. Always keeping facilities clean and presentable for participants and visitors. Maintaining strict compliance with the written SOP's currently in use or any that may be updated from time to time. Maintain the Dairy Research Unit's role as learning laboratory for students by serving as a resource for faculty and students while they work with our dairy herd. Complete all duties assigned by supervisors, including coverage for absent or short-staffed areas.

Normal Work Schedule:

Five days per week between the hours of 5:30pm and 2:00am with potential weekend and holiday shifts required for a total of 40 hours a week.

EXPECTED SALARY

$17-$19 per hour; commensurate with experience

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Artificial Insemination (A.I.) certification required within six months of hire.

PREFERRED

High School diploma or higher and one year of general dairy experience. Demonstrated effective communication and collaborations skills. Strong work ethic. Dairy animal care experience.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This position is eligible for Veteran's preference. If you are claiming Veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED

Yes

ADVERTISED

13 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

20 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time