Job Title

Assistant Farm Director - Dairy Operations

Department

Farm Laboratory

Salary

$51,415 - $64,011; commensurate with experience

Job Summary/Basic Function

Under the direction of the Director of MTSU Farm Laboratories, the Assistant Director – Dairy Operations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the dairy unit, ensuring the health, productivity, and well-being of the entire dairy herd. This includes managing milking operations, herd nutrition, calf health and wellbeing, and reproductive practices. This role will also encompass crop production management with collaboration with Crops Unit and Beef and Swine Unit to ensure dairy quality crops and forages. The Assistant Director – Diary Operations will also assist in coordinating with faculty for student experiential learning and faculty research activities. The Assistant Director ensures compliance with milk production standards, manages facility maintenance, handles procurement, oversees student work schedules and hours, and supervises the Assistant Dairy Manager to support overall operations. In fulfilling this role, the Manager – Dairy Operations will be responsible for the following key responsibilities:

Dairy Herd Management: Manage all aspects of the dairy herd's health, including calves, first-time heifers, and lactating cows. Oversee milking operations, nutrition (using Total Mixed Ration methods), estrus detection, artificial insemination, and synchronization practices. Responsible for managing the process of selling cull cows, heifers, and bull calves to ensure optimal herd composition and revenue generation.

Supervision and Leadership: Directly manage the Assistant Dairy Manager, student workers, and other staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, performance evaluation, and task delegation.

Support for Educational and Research Activities: Collaborate with faculty to provide hands-on learning experiences for students and assist with faculty-led research projects, ensuring appropriate resources and facilities are available.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all operations meet the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, Tennessee Department of Agriculture Dairy Regulatory standards, IACUC guidelines, and other relevant regulatory requirements.

Facility and Equipment Management: Oversee the maintenance, repair, and functionality of dairy equipment and facilities to ensure efficient and safe operations.
Milk Production Quality: Maintain milk quality standards, implementing quality assurance practices, conducting regular checks, and addressing any issues affecting milk quality.

Financial Management: Monitor and manage the dairy unit's budget, aligning herd size and resources with revenue goals and expenses to ensure financial sustainability.
Record-Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of herd health, milk production, breeding activities, sales, and student work hours; provide regular reports to the Director.

External Communication: Serve as a liaison with raw milk purchasers, regulatory bodies, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Adapt to Seasonal and Academic Cycles: Adjust operational plans according to university academic calendars, seasonal changes, and student availability.
Support Additional Farm Operations: Collaborate with other farm units as needed to support overall farm laboratory objectives.

Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional tasks and projects as directed by the Director of MTSU Farm Laboratories.

Required Education

Bachelors degree in an Agricultural discipline

Required Related Experience

Two years dairy or livestock related experience

Desirable Related Experience

Three years experience in artificial insemination of cows, familiarity with embryo transfer and pregnancy checking technology.

Desirable License/Registration/Certification

Master Dairy Producer certification or equivalent.

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume Required

Application Review Date: January 30, 2025