A Food or Agricultural Technician assists agricultural and food scientists with research and testing related to safety and quality control. May focus on testing and lab analysis for animal crops and animal feed, or focus on testing and lab analysis for food, food crops, processed food, food additives and food containers.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about .
Job Description:
The Dairy Specialist is responsible for exercising independent judgment in the daily operation of the university dairy. The Specialist makes evidence-based decisions related to livestock care, milking, technology, forage, and student supervision while working under the direction of the Dairy Manager. The role supports teaching, research, and outreach activities of the Agriculture Research and Education Center at WKU.
Duties of the position include:
Oversee milking parlor operations, including equipment function, milking protocols, cow flow, and milk quality assurance. Make professional decisions related to parlor efficiency, sanitation standards, somatic cell count management, and animal comfort during milking to support optimal production and product quality. Exercise judgment in the daily management, health monitoring, nutrition, reproduction, and welfare of the dairy herd. Make timely, evidence-based decisions regarding animal care protocols, treatment recommendations, and production adjustments while operating under the overall direction of the Dairy Manager. Provide day-to-day direction, training, and performance feedback to student workers. Exercise discretion in assigning tasks, resolving routine operational issues, and maintaining a safe, educational work environment in coordination with the Dairy Manager. Plan and execute forage production, harvest, storage, and quality assessment activities. Assist in planning and delivering tours, field days, and educational activities.
Requirements:
BSc in agriculture or related field Ability to lift 50 lbs. Valid driver's license
Additional Information:
Salary:
$40,000 Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at 270-745-5121 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 and/or WKU's Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, No. 0.2070, please complete the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form . Additional information regarding Title IX, including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options, is available on WKU's Title IX website . Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: https://www.wku.edu/academics/ For information related to job postings, application status, or the hiring process, please email employment@wku.edu .
Application Instructions:
The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system: Cover Letter Resume You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by
