Farm Supervisor

The Department of Animal Sciences' Dairy Research Unit is seeking a Farm Supervisor. This position will serve as milking parlor supervisor and assistant herd manager. The individual will be supervised by the Research Herd Manager and be responsible for maintaining herd records, oversight of milking parlor operations, maternity and newborn calf care, and administering treatments prescribed by the herd veterinarian.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- The individual will provide oversight to milking parlor operations. This includes training and evaluating procedures of personnel working in the milking parlor. It also includes monitoring milk quality, detection, prevention, and treatment of mastitis, monitoring the operation and cleaning of milking equipment as set forth in the Dairy Unit SOP. The individual must be knowledgeable about state and federal requirements for sale of milk and work with the Research Coordinator to ensure the farm passes state and federal inspections.

- The individual will be responsible for maintaining herd written and electronic herd records, such as veterinary reports, calving records, and breeding records. The individual must be knowledgeable of DairyComp and AfiFarm record keeping systems in regards to input of data, and use of the systems to manage animals. It is essential for this position to work closely with the Research Herd Manager and herd veterinarian to maintain accurate animal records.

- Transition cow and newborn calf care. The individual will be responsible for implementing ‘dry-off’ procedures, vaccinations, ‘fresh cow’ care and neonatal care as set forth in the Dairy Unit SOP. The individual will also oversee feeding and care of newborn calves and coordinate the transport of replacement heifers to and from the dairy unit.  Driving will be required.

- Occasionally oversees and performs general herd care work, such as feeding cows, artificial insemination, routine hoof trimming, administration of treatments prescribed by the herd veterinarian, and ensuring cows are clean, calm and comfortable

- Counsels employees as needed on job performance, trains new personnel and ensures employees comply with animal ethics expectations as set forth in the Dairy Unit SOP.

- Other duties as assigned

Normal work schedule: Variable days/hours with weekend and holiday shifts required for a total of 40 hours a week

$59,000 annually

High school diploma or equivalent and three years of experience working on an agricultural operation, including supervision of others. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required years of experience.

Valid Florida driver license

2-5 years of proven track record of relevant agricultural operation management, and personnel management.

3 years of experience managing and supervising a multi personnel dairy operation.  Ability to plan and direct a dairy cattle and farming operation; ability to determine work priorities, assign work and ensure completion; ability to supervise people; ability to delegate as needed; ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures; ability to maintain accurate records: ability to use and understand computer record keeping systems; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to maintain effective working relations with others.  Knowledge of the correct procedures and techniques used in dairy and farm management operations.  Knowledge of safety regulations.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. 

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.