About This Role:

The Dairy Teaching and Research Center (DTRC) is seeking applicants for a full-time Animal Technician II. This position will be responsible for equipment operation, equipment, and facility maintenance, and, in a smaller portion, general animal care and milking.

Duties and job duties and responsibilities are as follows:

Equipment operation (60%) – The Animal Technician II will be responsible for operating large machinery such as tractors, manure wagons, feed wagons, and skid loaders. Job duties include exporting nutrients and manure to the compost facility, scraping and cleaning pens, and sanding the beds of the cows, among others. Equipment needs to be operated safely in a timely manner fashion so that the incumbent can perform the job duties while caring for equipment, animals, and facility.

The incumbent will also be responsible for safely transporting animals in and out of the Dairy using a truck and trailer. These activities include moving animals between the farm and the ASI department, Vet School, Manhattan Commission Center, etc.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance (20%) – The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining the large machinery used at the DTRC. This includes oil changes, tire maintenance, lubrication, and other routine maintenance. The incumbent will also be responsible for helping to determine causes for equipment issues and work with the DTRC Team to determine methods of rapid repair, whether by farm staff or by external service providers.

Incumbents will also help maintain the facilities of the DTRC by detecting issues and leading repairing them. Basic maintenance and repair of the facility includes interior and exterior areas, animal housing areas, and being able to work on plumbing and electrical issues.  

The incumbent will proudly care for the facilities in which they work, which require cleaning and maintenance of the equipment and buildings as needed. The incumbent will also organize supplies and alert the DTRC manager when more are needed.

General Animal Care and Milking (20%) – The Animal Technician II will help with general animal care, assisting with routine herd health protocols and treatment of clinical health issues. The incumbent may be asked to serve in milking sessions as needed in collaboration with undergraduate assistants and other staff members.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of experience operating large machinery
• Equipment maintenance experience i.e., welding, plumbing, and repairing facility experience.
• Ability to work independently.
• One year of work with livestock (diary).

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. KSU Page Up online application
2. Resume
3. List of three references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and will continue until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$16.04 – $18.50

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.