Dairy Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Milk Parlor Operator and Precision Feed Operator in Blacksburg, Virginia. This role involves assisting with milk harvesting, preparing equipment, milking cows, maintaining the parlor, and delivering Total Mixed Rations. Candidates must have knowledge of dairy husbandry, farm equipment operation, and communication skills. The position offers a salary range of $38,000 – $44,000 and a regular appointment with 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Experience operating large dairy farm equipment.
• Ability to communicate procedures to students.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the harvest of milk during the first session.
• Prepare and clean milking equipment and bulk tank.
• Manage the first milk session from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Prepare and deliver Total Mixed Rations to the dairy herd.

Skills

Knowledge of general dairy husbandry

Ability to operate farm equipment

Knowledge of milk harvesting

Experience with large farm equipment

Communication skills

Education

B.S. degree in Dairy Science or Animal Science

Job description

Job Description

Position for a Milk Parlor Operator and Precision Feed Operator in a dairy operation. The role involves assisting with milk harvesting, preparing equipment, milking cows, maintaining the parlor, and preparing and delivering Total Mixed Rations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the harvest of milk during the first session of the day.
• Prepare milking equipment and bulk tank; milk cows; clean equipment; detect abnormal milk or mastitis and record findings.
• Perform basic maintenance of parlor equipment and keep records.
• Manage the first milk session from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Prepare multiple Total Mixed Rations (TMR) and deliver them to the dairy herd using a vertical mix wagon.
• Maintain inventory control for all rations.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of general dairy husbandry and milking procedures.
• Ability to operate farm equipment and knowledge of milk harvesting and equipment.
• Ability to follow precise research and teaching protocols.
• Experience operating large farm equipment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor, handle mature dairy animals, and work in adverse conditions.
• Ability to communicate proper procedures to students.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Dairy Science or Animal Science.
• Experience preparing and delivering dairy TMR and experience in milk harvesting.
• Artificial insemination certification to assist in breeding the herd (a plus).

Additional Information

• Criminal conviction check required.
• Department/unit cannot support a visa for this position.

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay Band: 3
• Overtime Status: Non-Exempt, eligible for overtime.
• Appointment Type: Regular.
• Salary: $38,000 – $44,000.
• Hours per week: 40.
• Review Date: 05/14/2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.