Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Technical Assistant II (Assistant Livestock Barn Manager - Hadley Farm) in Amherst, Massachusetts
Technical Assistant II (Assistant Livestock Barn Manager - Hadley Farm)
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=526553&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 526553
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:Center for Agriculture
Union:USA/MTA
Categories: Technical, Agriculture/Extension, College of Natural Sciences
About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Assistant Livestock Barn Manager will (1) work closely with the Livestock Barn Manager and the leadership of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) to implement daily farm operations and long-term strategic planning, (2) participate as part of a team in the daily maintenance of animal health, well-being, and feeding of University livestock, and (3) serve as a primary support person for federal capacity-funded research, Veterinary and Animal Science program curriculum, and public outreach programs conducted at the Hadley Farm.
Essential Functions
Livestock Care:
Coordinate and participate in the daily care of sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, horses and cattle, including feeding/providing water, and environmental cleaning.
Assist in the maintenance of animal health, including daily observation, administration of prescribed treatments, and participation in monitoring programs (such as body condition scoring, FAMACHA evaluations, and parasite fecal flotations).
Implement standard operating procedures based on evidence-based best management practice protocols provided by the facility.
Assist with the organization and management of breeding and the subsequent lambing/kidding of approximately 35 ewes/20 does, and the farrowing of sows.
Assist in the organization and preparation of livestock, their products, and the farm facilities for classes, research, sales and public outreach events.
Facility and Ground/Pasture Maintenance:
Conduct daily inspection of farm livestock facilities, including barns, fences, shelters, and pastures. Maintain professional standards for cleanliness, biosecurity, organization, and safety.
Operate equipment and motor vehicles, including but not limited to tractors, truck/trailer, mower, UTV, and so on to conduct facility maintenance and travel to work sites.
Assist with the development and implementation of pasture management programs based on the needs and goals of livestock operation and best management practices. Assist with hay and forage production; manage and spread manure; apply pesticides/herbicides, as needed.
Trouble-shoot problems with electric fencing, shelters, water bowls/basic plumbing, and basic carpentry. Perform facility maintenance/ repairs/improvements and notify supervisor of needed work orders.
Administrative Duties:
Maintain detailed production and medical records.
Regularly inventory supplies, feed, and medications. Notify supervisor when supplies need to be re-ordered.
Schedule, train, and supervise student workers, and review and submit their weekly timesheets.
Comply with all University Farm Protocols and Biosecurity Guidelines, IACUC and Animal Care Guidelines, and FDA, USDA, and state laws.
Support classroom and laboratory education and research programs that directly involve the livestock, the Livestock Barn, and the Hadley Farm.
Assist in the development of curriculum.
Coach students and employees in daily and routine management chores of the livestock facilities.
Other Functions
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
In the performance of work, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences and the Dean's strategic priorities.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Minimum of one (1) year of full-time direct experience with livestock.
Experience in animal handling, husbandry practices, and the management of small ruminants, cattle, swine, and poultry, including monitoring and assessing animal health and administering prescribed treatments.
Knowledge and experience in the implementation of livestock feeding regimens based on best management practices.
Experience with lambing/kidding and resolving small ruminant dystocias.
Experience with pasture and manure management best practices.
Basic mechanical operative and maintenance skills, including the use of hand / power tools. Experience with the use of agricultural equipment necessary to support livestock agricultural operations.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills and the ability to use software such as word processing and spreadsheets.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, work productively with a diverse population, and to resolve problems or conflicts. Prior experience working independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities.
Valid driver’s license.
Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator Private Certification or ability to receive certification within one (1) year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
Three (3) to five (5) years direct experience with livestock, including one (1) year full-time.
Experience with the direct supervision of staff in an agricultural setting.
Experience in setting goals, formulating plans and objectives, and working with colleagues to identify and implement process improvements.
Enthusiasm, interest, and experience in teaching and public outreach.
Experience answering agricultural questions from farmers and other stakeholders.
Experience in the development of small ruminant feed regimen, pasture management, and manure management plans.
Experience in the operation of the farm equipment: tractors, loaders, skid steers, bush hogs, sprayers, mowers, and weed whackers. Experience in the calibration and maintenance of this equipment.
Experience with the harvesting of forage (hay), including the use of mower, tedder, rake, and round baler. Experience with the calibration and maintenance of this equipment.
Experience with snow removal and the use of front-end loaders.
Knowledge of biosecurity principles and common diseases that affect ruminants.
Experience collecting biological samples from livestock, including blood and milk.
Experience using hand and electric shearers in shearing sheep.
Prior experience attaching, driving, and reversing a livestock truck and trailer.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
The ability to balance, carry, pull/push, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist and perform repetitive motion.
The ability to lift 50 pounds.
The ability to work in adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and precipitation.
Additional Details
This position is designated as essential personnel.
Willingness to work weekends and holidays.
Availability after normal working hours for emergencies related to weather, animal care, or student/employee injuries.
Work Schedule
Thursday – Monday; 7AM – 3PM.
Salary Information
USA/MTA Grade 14.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations.http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Mar 10 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 10 2025 Eastern Daylight Time