Farm Assistant Manager

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a dedicated individual to oversee the poultry teaching and research center on the south campus. The role includes training and mentoring staff and students, coordinating teaching labs, and facilitating outreach programs.

You will also handle daily operations, scheduling, and coordination with Farm Manager and university departments. The position requires flexibility for weekends/holidays, indoor and outdoor work, and potential exposure to noisy or dusty

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in Animal Science or related field required with 1–3 years of supervisory farm experience.
• Experience supervising farm staff and poultry production activities.
• Ability to lift 75+ pounds and operate general farm equipment.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of poultry teaching and research center with emphasis on staff training and scheduling.
• Assist with animal care, breeding programs, and coordination of teaching/research activities.
• Manage the center's store and website, and liaison with clients and vendors.
• Ensure compliance with IACUC, AAALAC, and MSU health and safety standards.

Skills

Supervision of staff

Computer literacy

Farm equipment knowledge

Physical fitness

Valid driver's license

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or related field

Tools

Robotic feed system

LHF lighting and ventilation systems

Job description

Basic Function

This position will assist with oversight of the poultry teaching and research center on MSU’s south campus. Included in this oversight is the training, scheduling, and mentoring of the staff and students. Work involves facilitating research, teaching, and outreach programs. This position requires working on some weekends and holidays, as well as standby time. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, is subject to all weather conditions, and can be in noisy or dusty areas.

Position Summary

This position will assist with oversight of the poultry teaching and research center on MSU’s south campus. Included in this oversight is the training, scheduling, and mentoring of the staff and students. Work involves facilitating research, teaching, and outreach programs. This position requires working on some weekends and holidays, as well as standby time. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, is subject to all weather conditions, and can be in noisy or dusty areas.

Duties And Responsibilities

Daily Operations of the Center – 40%

• Assist with animal care and breeding programs and provide recommendations to the Farm Manager to carry out the land grant mission of MSU.
• Assist with outlining daily tasks with farm staff and communicating needs to the Farm Manager.
• Load and transport animals to other on-campus facilities, off-campus locations, exhibits, and sales for teaching, research, procurement, and marketing purposes.
• Assist in the handling, movement, and composting of manure and the disposal of dead animals.
• Manage the CLC store and website

Regulatory and Record Management – 15%

• Ensure compliance with IACUC, AAALAC, and MSU Environmental Health and Safety standards, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains health and safety standards to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal rules and regulations.

Logistics of Land Grant Mission – 15%

• Assist with teaching, class laboratories, and tours, which may include being the lead instructor on entry-level laboratories and preparing animals or facilities to be used for teaching when the Farm Manager is not available.
• Assist the farm manager with the preparation, coordination, and facilitation of research project implementation.
• Serves as liaison with clients, customers, vendors, and university departments to provide expertise in poultry production.

Facility Maintenance – 15%

• Inspect facilities and equipment to determine the scope of necessary maintenance and repair to ensure animal and human safety and supply support to farm maintenance laborers.
• Manage and maintain the robotic feed system, assess and troubleshoot the programming of LHF lighting and ventilation systems.
• Perform routine maintenance of facilities and equipment daily.
• Maintain facility areas in a clean and orderly manner.

Supply Inventory Management – 10%

• Assist with ordering, receiving, and storing equipment and supplies, animals, and feed.
• Manage order fulfillment, packaging, shipping, invoicing, and reconciliation of accounts payable for poultry facility
• Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly inventories of livestock, feed, and supplies, including monitoring propane levels.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• Work with the farm manager to explore additional revenue opportunities
• Serve on workgroups and/or committees

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Animal Science or agricultural related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in supervision, all areas of farm work/production related to the area of employment; experience in computer usage; and knowledge of farm equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Frequent lifting of over 75 pounds, bending, and climbing. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator license is required.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a field related to animal science and poultry production, and an interest in managing a multi-species poultry facility and a state-of-the-art laying hen facility. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of professional judgment, independent decision-making, excellent communication and customer service skills, strong organizational and time management skills, and a positive attitude. Familiarity and ability to use poultry-specific equipment and tools. Basic knowledge of animal agriculture and poultry production facilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This if an off dated position funded until December 31, 2029 from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Summary of Physical Demands

Frequent lifting of over 75 pounds, bending, and climbing.

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals. Work in noisy environments (at or above 85 decibels).

Bidding eligibility ends

September 1, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.