Background: The Kansas State University Dairy Teaching and Research Center (DTRC) serves the dairy teaching, research, and extension missions of the Department of Animal Sciences & Industry. The DTRC, located 3 miles from campus, is one of the highest-producing university herds in the nation, and is supported by a dedicated team of employees. Kansas is one of the of fastest growing dairy states with continued expansion expected in the future. The knowledge generated at the DTRC through research, teaching and extension activities is critical to maintaining continued growth of the Kansas dairy industry and beyond. The Department of Animal Sciences & Industry is seeking a talented individual to serve as the DTRC an Animal Technician II.

Primary responsibilities:

The DTRC Animal Technician II is responsible for daily care of the cattle housed at the DTRC. The incumbent will be responsible for routine care of the cattle at the DTRC, ranging from newborn calves to lactating cows. This position will require operation of machinery relevant to animal care, including skid loaders. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

General Animal Care (35%) – The Animal Technician II will be responsible for general animal care, such as cleaning pens and maintaining bedding, assisting with routine herd health protocols, and treatment of clinical health issues. The incumbent will also work with cows in the maternity pen and with neonatal calves to secure a successful transition for both dam and offspring. The incumbent will also help feed and care for young calves. This position is also responsible for administering herd reproductive programs, including reproductive synchronization and artificial insemination. The incumbent may be asked to operate large machinery for the purpose of exporting nutrients to the compost facility, depending on experience and skillset with operating equipment.

Milking (35%) – The incumbent will be responsible for serving as the full-time staff member responsible for at least 2 milking sessions per week in collaboration with undergraduate assistants. The incumbent will set up the milking parlor equipment, efficiently milk cows using established standard operating procedures, and clean the milking parlor after the milking shift. The incumbent will also record milk weights and collect milk samples as appropriate for any research projects that require milking data.

Maintaining clean environment (10%) – The incumbent will proudly care for the facilities in which they work, which requires 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.

Assisting research and teaching activities (10%) – The incumbent will assist with coordination of research projects as directed by the DTRC manager.

Other duties as assigned (10%) – The incumbent will perform other duties as assigned by the DTRC manager and according to skillset and experience.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-3 years of dairy cattle and milking experience
• Experience operating large machinery
• Ability to work independently

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid driver's license

Please submit the following documents:

1. KSU Page Up online Application
2. Resume
3. List of three contacts

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

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.

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.