Agricultural Assistant

Job no: 541518

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Alachua

Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations

Department:  - AG-DAIRY RESEARCH UNIT

The Department of Animal Sciences' Dairy Research Unit is seeking an Agricultural Assistant I. This position is involved in all aspects of the research dairy operation, included but not limited to assisting with milking, cleaning, livestock handling and health and reproductive observations of animals at the facility. It is critical that the employee be adept at following written and oral instructions as directed by management, research and facility protocols.

This position will cover the night shift milking at the dairy which begins at 5:00 pm and ends at 1:30 AM with a 00:30 h shift interval. The position may at times require flexible hours. The individual must have the capacity to assist all employees in a consistent professional manner.

General knowledge of milking facility performance, milking system performance, wash system performance and herd management system performance and cooling system performance will be expected. This position will be involved routinely with milking operations. Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, climb, stoop and bend. Assures compliance regarding transponders assigned to cow, will place, replace as needed and record information into AFI Milk.

Knowledge and ability to perform the collection and storing of colostrum per SOP. Knowledge and ability to perform drug residue avoidance testing using designated residue test per SOP. Responsibility for proper recording of milk production daily. Responsibility to ensure all milking, washing and cooling systems are working properly, and that milk is being delivered properly to correct storage locations. It is anticipated that this position will participate in onboarding training of new parlor employees, students, and volunteers.

This position will also plan and participate in continuing training courses for all parlor employees.

Assures cows have adequate clean drinking water and feed available. Assures clean stalls with adequate bedding. Cleans barns and flush lanes assigned by farm supervisor. Assists with maintaining grounds, equipment and facilities.

Observe animals for signs of health disorders, perform animal treatments and record keeping with attention to detail including drenching, administering intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous injections according to dairy unit SOP. Observe herd for lameness and take appropriate action with regards to lame cows, oversee foot bath protocol, and record and enter all data associated with animals. Participate with fresh cow checks per protocol.

Assist with down cow cattle movement and care per protocol. Maintenance of all data that is entered into programs for accuracy regarding the milking herd.

Assist with care for newborn calves, including occasional feeding of calves, providing clean bedding, clean water, and supportive care.

Cooperation with faculty, students and others performing various research related tasks. Record keeping in compliance with research and dairy needs with attention to detail. Always keeping facilities clean and presentable for participants and visitors. Maintaining strict compliance with the written SOP’s currently in use or any that may be updated from time to time. Maintain the Dairy Research Unit’s role as learning laboratory for students by serving as a resource for faculty and students while they work with our dairy herd.

Other duties as assigned.

Variable night shifts five days a week from 5:00pm to 1:30am with weekend and holiday shifts required for a total of 40 hours.

$17- $20 per hour; commensurate with experience

None

• High school diploma and 2 years relevant dairy experience and training.
• Demonstrated effective communication and collaborations skills.
• Strong work ethic.
• Dairy animal care experience.

Yes

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.