Dairy Technician

Dairy Technician

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Work type:
Staff

Senior management:
Agriculture & Life Sciences

Department:
Dairy Farm

Location:

Blacksburg, Virginia

Categories:
Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

This position is for a milk parlor operator. Duties are to assist in the harvest of milk during the first session of the day. Operator prepares the milking equipment and bulk tank, milks cows, and cleans equipment and milk parlor. Operator is responsible for the detection of abnormal milk, or mastitis and record findings. Operator is responsible for basic maintenance of parlor equipment and some record keeping.

The first milk session begins at 12:00 p.m. and concludes at 10:30 p.m.

This position also includes a precision feed operator. Operator prepares multiple Totally Mixed Rations (TMR) and delivers to the dairy herd. Rations must be precisely prepared and delivered using a TMR vertical mix wagon. Operator is responsible for inventory control in the preparation of all rations.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of general dairy husbandry and milking procedures;
Ability to operate farm equipment and knowledge of the harvest of milk and milk equipment;
Ability to follow precise research and teaching protocols. Operate large farm equipment;
Ability to perform heavy manual labor, handle mature dairy animals, and work in adverse conditions;
Ability to communicate proper procedures to students.

Preferred Qualifications

B.S degree in Dairy Science or Animal Science. Experience in the preparation and delivery of a dairy TMR, as well as experience in the harvest of milk. Artificial insemination certification to assist in the breeding of the herd would be a plus.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

38,000 - 44,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

06/12/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. Department/unit is unable to support a visa for this position.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Mr. Shane Brannock at brannock during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised:
June 5, 2026

Applications close: