Farm Assistant Manager

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU - Michigan State University is seeking a hands-on supervisor to oversee the poultry teaching and research center on the south campus. The role includes training, scheduling, and mentoring staff and students, and coordinating teaching, research, and outreach activities in indoor and outdoor settings with varying weather conditions.

Weekend and holiday work, plus standby time, are required. A four-year degree in Animal Science or related field and 1–3 years of supervisory farm experience are

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Animal Science or related field preferred.
• Experience supervising farm work and staff preferred.
• Proficient with basic computer usage and farm records.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of poultry teaching and research center.
• Ensure compliance with IACUC, AAALAC, and MSU safety standards.
• Coordinate teaching laboratories, tours, and research project logistics.
• Maintain facilities and equipment, including robotic feed systems and climate controls.
• Manage inventory of livestock, feed, and supplies.

Skills

Supervision

Animal care

Facility maintenance

Communication

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or related field

Tools

Farm equipment

Job description

Position Summary

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.

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 managementskills, 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.