Dairy Student Assistant (Large Animal Teaching Hospital)

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 12,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a student employee to assist with daily care of non‑equine farm animal species in the JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital. The role includes milking duties, herd checks, and potential feeding of non‑equine animals.

Shifts run daily with early morning (4:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.) or afternoon (2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.) blocks. Candidates must be enrolled students at Auburn University and ready to support hospital operations during their shift.

Responsibilities

• AM shift: Set up milking system and clean equipment from prior shift.
• AM shift: Place feed for animals in milking string and follow milking procedures.
• AM shift: Bring animals from pastures per SOPs to maintain hygiene and monitor for illness.
• AM shift: Clean milking parlor and return animals to pasture.
• AM shift: Feed replacement heifers and calves in pens.
• AM shift: Feed non‑equine animals in Large Animal Teaching Herds as assigned.
• AM shift: Assist with daily care of non‑equine species.

Education

Enrolled student at Auburn University

Job description

Overview

The position in the JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital is responsible for assisting with the daily care of farm animal species, non‑equine, including milking of the lactating herd, daily herd checks, and possibly feeding of all non‑equine animals owned by the College of Veterinary Medicine.

This position requires availability for either an early morning shift (4:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.) or an afternoon shift (2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.). Shifts are scheduled for 7 days a week. Team members support daily operations during their scheduled shift by assisting with essential tasks that keep the unit running smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

There are two shifts associated with this position; they are divided into AM and PM shifts.

AM shift

• Set up the milking system and ensure all equipment is properly cleaned from the prior shift.
• Place feed for animals assigned to the milking string and follow all milking procedures.
• Bring animals in from pastures according to SOPs to maintain hygiene standards and monitor for signs of systemic illness.
• Clean the milking parlor and return animals to the correct pasture before leaving the facilities.
• Feed replacement heifers (birth to weaning) and bull/steer calves raised in hutch pens.
• Feed all non‑equine animals included in the Large Animal Teaching Herds when assigned.
• Assist with the daily care of all non‑equine species in the teaching herds.

PM shift

• Set up the milking system and ensure all equipment is properly cleaned from the prior shift.
• Place feed for animals assigned to the milking string and follow established milking procedures.
• Bring animals in from pastures while following SOPs to maintain hygiene and monitor animals for signs of illness.
• Clean the milking parlor and return animals to the correct pasture before leaving.
• During afternoon shifts, feed replacement heifers (birth to weaning) and any bull/steer calves in hutch pens.
• Clean feed areas, the stanchion area, and the holding lot before ending the afternoon shift.
• Perform inventory checks on all paddocks assigned to the Large Animal Teaching Herds (non‑equine) to ensure all animals are present and no signs of predation are observed.
• Report abnormal findings to appropriate personnel.
• Assist with securing small ruminants (sheep and goats) as needed to reduce predation risk.
• Support daily care of all non‑equine species in the teaching herds.

Qualifications

Enrolled student at Auburn University

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

None

Why Work at Auburn?

• Gain valuable work experience! Student employment allows you to explore different interests, identify strengths, and make informed decisions about your future career goals.
• Build your network! Interacting with faculty, staff, and fellow students can lead to valuable connections and potential mentors.
• Make a difference! Have the satisfaction of knowing YOU are a part of providing the premier academic experience at Auburn and the life‑changing work our students and employees perform.

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.