Manager, Dairy Teaching Research Center

Reporting to the Director of the NH Agricultural Experiment Station, the incumbent will be responsible for leading the research, teaching, and outreach mission of the UNH Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center. The manager oversees, stewards, and directly participates in the farm’s operational, personnel, and financial activities to ensure timeliness and success of animal management and care, infrastructure soundness, and interpersonal interactions.

The manager supervises the full-time farm staff and student employees; is the primary coordinator of research projects, teaching activities (with a particular focus on enabling success of the UNH CREAM program), and engagement events on the farm, working with faculty, extension professionals, and staff; and works with external vendors and partners critical to effective dairy farm operations. In collaboration with the UNH Farm Services unit, the manager will coordinate manure management and crop storage activities.

Through thoughtful and responsible leadership that emphasizes high standards for human and animal safety, strong and respectful interpersonal relationships with internal and external partners, and cost-effective operational management, the manager leads UNH Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center through a culture that enables research that supports tomorrow’s New Hampshire dairy industry, impactful hands‑on education that empowers tomorrow’s food system workforce, and state and industry recognition that UNH is a key destination for dairy science knowledge and innovation.

Leadership of operations and people

• Provide overall leadership of the facility and the many diverse groups of stakeholders (researchers, instructors, students, student workers, residents, visitors, internal and external vendors and partners) who use and support the facility to meet the research, teaching, and engagement missions of UNH.
• Ensure that there is a collegial, communications‑driven, and supportive culture of work that ensures that all those who use and visit the facility are welcomed and productive.
• Supervise full time employees, student workers, and adjunct staff.
• Be an active participant in regular meetings with other farm managers.
• Work with the NHAES operations manager to oversee the facility’s budget and provide responsible fiscal leadership.
• Work with the NHAES Director to identify, plan, and execute strategic investments to ensure long‑term sustainability of the facility and its operations.

Animal health and care

• Oversee the overall standards and protocols for animal care, healthcare, and data logging, ensuring that they follow industry best practices, align with UNH IACUC requirements and USDA requirements, and are coordinated with the UNH Attending Veterinarian.
• Identify and participate in continuing education of animal health and care and actively incorporate new knowledge and practices into the facility’s standard operating procedures.
• With the assistant manager, manage herd health and breeding.
• Provide training and instruction to staff, student workers, students, and others in identifying animal care issues and managing them.
• Ensure that veterinary supplies and records are regularly maintained, checked, ordered, and disposed of properly.

Farm operations

• Participate in daily facility cleaning and animal feeding and milking chores.
• Ensure effective milk and animal sales.
• Working with UNH Farm Services, ensure effective manure management.
• Working with UNH Farm Services, ensure effective seasonal delivery and storage of feed.
• Ensure that there are sufficient student and adjunct staff employees and student residents to ensure effective farm operations.

Equipment and facilities maintenance and repair

• Track and conduct preventative maintenance on farm machinery and infrastructure.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal (UNH Facilities, UNH Farm Services) partners and external vendors to ensure timely and effective repairs of facilities and equipment.
• Ensure that farm, office, and student living facilities meet safety, comfort, and presentability standards for employees; faculty, staff, and students; residents; and visitors.

Assisting…