Barn Assistant

Auburn; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a Barn Assistant in the College of Veterinary Medicine to perform general construction and maintenance of farm facilities supporting routine animal care. This weekend role runs Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00am–2:00pm, with some flexibility.

Responsibilities include maintenance and welding of equipment, feeding teaching herd animals, inspecting animals, aiding technicians, and maintaining clean, safe facilities for inspections and care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to perform physical tasks and operate outdoors.
• Valid driver's license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair farm buildings and grounds.
• Weld and repair farm equipment as needed.
• Feed teaching herd animals daily (5–6 gallon buckets).
• Visually inspect animals and report issues to technicians.
• Help round up/move animals and ensure proper isolation procedures.
• Keep stalls and barns clean to sanitary standards.

Skills

Physical stamina

Lift 50 lbs

Outdoor work

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The College of Veterinary Medicine seeks candidates for a Barn Assistant position to perform general construction and maintenance of farm equipment and facilities that support routine care for animals.

This position is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, being around farm animals, and all the tough jobs involved in farm work.

This is considered a weekend position: Wed – Sun from 5:00am – 2:00pm. Some flexibility may be necessary.

Why work as a Barn Assistant?

• You’ll get to work outside on the “Loveliest Village on the Plains”
• You’ll make an impact supporting the care of animals and the work the College of Veterinary Medicine performs!
• You’ll get to start your day early, and end your day early! (Shifts are 5:00am – 2:00pm)
• Built-in promotional opportunities based on performance (progressing through job levels I, II, III, and IV)!
• Tuition benefits for yourself and your dependents!
• Steady employment, state benefits, and a place you can build a career!

To learn more about the College of Veterinary Medicine, visit: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/

The formal AU title for this position is Tech, Ag-Vet Med

This position involves direct contact with animals susceptible to rabies. Employees in this role must complete a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series and maintain adequate rabies antibody titer (≥0.5 IU/mL) as recommended by CDC guidelines. Auburn University will cover the cost of the rabies vaccination series, periodic titer checks, and any necessary boosters.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance and repair of farm buildings and grounds.
• Welding and repair of farm equipment.
• Being feed person for all teaching herd animals which physically involves feeding 5-6 gallon buckets of feed to cows, horses, llamas, sheep, goats, etc. every day.
• Visually check all teaching herd animals for lameness, cuts, abrasions, runny noses, etc. and report any issues to Bovine or Equine Technicians.
• Help technicians round up and move animals when necessary.
• Make sure that employees are suited up properly for cleaning the Isolation Building and that the waste is properly bagged and stored in the Isolation waste area.
• Clean stalls and barns daily to a sanitary state that will meet inspection.

Qualifications

Level I:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Level II:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of experience in farming practices

Level III:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 4 years of experience in farming practices

Level IV:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 6 years of experience in farming practices

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Minimum license and certifications

• Possession of a valid driver’s license upon hire. Ability to obtain a pesticide license may be required in specific positions.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• This position involves physical demands such as the ability to stand and walk frequently.
• The ability to climb, kneel, and reach is also necessary.
• The ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. is required.
• This position also requires working outdoors in heat and cold, wet, humid, and noisy conditions.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.