Barn Assistant

Auburn; Auburn, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

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

The role involves direct contact with animals and requires a valid driver’s license and preparedness for a rabies vaccination series funded by AU.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Level II requires 1 year of farming experience; Level III requires 4 years; Level IV requires 6 years.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance and repair of farm buildings and grounds.
• Welding and repair of farm equipment.
• Feed animals daily (5-6 gallon buckets) for teaching herd animals.
• Visually inspect teaching herd animals and report issues to Bovine or Equine Technicians.
• Assist technicians in rounding up and moving animals when necessary.
• Ensure proper PPE for cleaning Isolation Building and proper waste handling.
• Clean stalls and barns daily to a sanitary state meeting inspection.

Skills

Manual labor

Farm equipment handling

Safety awareness

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.

Contract Type

Continuing

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• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
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• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

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.

Posted Date

9/2/2026