Assistant Herder

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University Bearden Dairy Research Center is seeking a Dairy Unit staff member to support research management and production operations on campus. You will help manage the milking parlor, assist with breeding and medical treatments, and maintain detailed computerized records for milking processes.

The role requires a BS in animal and dairy science and a valid driver's license, with willingness to work weekends/holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in animal and dairy science or closely related field.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Manage the milking parlor.
• Assist with breeding and medical treatments of dairy cattle.
• Extensive computer record-keeping for milking parlor function.
• Assist with research activities.

Skills

Dairy operations

Supervising others

Good communication

Record keeping

Education

BS in Animal and Dairy Science

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Milking parlor software

Job description

Position Function:

Assist in the research management and production operations of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Bearden Dairy Research Center (Bearden Center).

Salary Grade

13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 625 undergraduate students, 40 graduate students, and 26 faculty, both on the main campus and at Research and Extension Centers throughout Mississippi. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Pre-Vet/Science, Pre-Vet Med Tech, Production Management, Business and Industry and newly approved Food Science. Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Animal and Dairy Sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200 acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and 1,200 acre Bearden Research Dairy. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state of the art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses and process into wholesale and retail cuts. The new Animal and Dairy Sciences building opened in 2019. This 38,000 square foot facility houses three teaching areas including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms as well as research laboratories and animal rooms for teaching and research needs. The South Farm is home to our new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory. Our research and teaching herds include dairy, beef, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and swine on the Mississippi State University main campus.

Area of Specialization:

Dairy Unit

Anticipated Appointment Date:

November 1, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Managing the milking parlor.
2. Assisting with breeding and medical treatments of dairy cattle.
3. Extensive computer record-keeping that includes the management of spreadsheets and commercial programs that control milking parlor function.
4. Assist with research activities.
5. Train and observe student workers and interns with milking procedures.
6. Assist with preparation and delivery of rations.
7. Assist with heifer development and routine maintenance and cleaning of milking facilities.
8. Supervision of interns and student workers.
9. Any other duties as directed by the Dairy Herder.

Shifts will vary. The successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as needed, and job requires flexible scheduling.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in animal and dairy science or closely related field.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dairy cattle production and farm equipment operational experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of dairy operations.
• Ability to supervise others.
• Good communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Screening Date:

October 2, 2026, until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.