Livestock Support Assistant

Uvmjobs; Vermont; On-site; USD 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Vermont in Vermont seeks a Livestock Support Assistant to assist with livestock farming operations at the Food Systems Research Station. You will support diverse livestock practices, including grazing management and herd records, and coordinate with the Livestock research group across field sites.

The role requires teamwork, strong communication, and organization, with willingness to work in variable weather and on-call weekends to ensure humane care of livestock.

Qualifications

• Significant teamwork, technical experience, and effective communication with Livestock research group.
• Combination of formal and experiential education required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least two years of experience working with livestock.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain and driver’s check required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with livestock-related farming operations at the FSRS.
• Report to duties during inclement weather and be on call for emergencies at the location.
• Work schedule includes variable days and times, including regular weekends for humane care of livestock.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Mechanical aptitude

Workplace safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2+ years livestock experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

For classified staff positions, actual hiring pay dependent on current competitor market conditions, comparable campus peer(s) at time of hire, and candidate’s experience level and length.

Finalists for positions at UVM may be subject to a criminal background check.

The Livestock Support Assistant is responsible for assisting with livestock-related farming operations at the Food Systems Research Station ( FSRS ) at Nordic Farm in Charlotte, VT. FSRS operates on 400 acres of leased land within a larger, privately-owned farm. Research explores diverse subject matter spanning the food and farming systems of Vermont, including stand-alone livestock research in addition to integrated crop-livestock projects. Desired applicants will have demonstrated knowledge of applying a wide range of livestock farming methods, including (a) techniques for safely handling and herding livestock, implementing feedlot management strategies, and implementing grazing and rotational grazing protocols; and (b) integrated livestock management methodologies, including breeding and weaning, implementing pest and inoculation strategies, and keeping detailed herd management records. This position requires significant teamwork, technical experience, and effective communication with other members of the Livestock research group.

The Livestock Assistant will be required to report and perform duties during inclement weather and will be on call for emergencies at the location . Work schedule will include variable days and times, including regular weekends, as is required for the humane care of livestock.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

This position requires significant teamwork, technical experience, and effective communication with other members of the Livestock research group.

A combination of formal and experiential education is required:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least two years of experience working with livestock.

In-field experience should include working as a livestock consultant, caretaker, or livestock assistant on a commercial or research farm, including significant livestock interaction, heavy equipment operation, and planning. Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain, and driver’s check required.

Skill in working with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds sufficient to work with and motivate others and to train student interns who perform farm duties.

Skill in communicating both orally and in writing to provide guidance and instruction to employees, to discuss changes for plans and work projects, interface with the public, and to keep UVM / USDA partners informed of critical needs. Must possess strong organizational skills.

Mechanical aptitude to operate, maintain, calibrate, and repair farming equipment.

Working knowledge of rules, regulations, and practical requirements related to livestock management, including workplace safety, and land and water stewardship.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive. This includes the use of spreadsheets for basic budget and financial management purposes and the documentation of all field operations in a way that is accessible and usable by researchers.

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $25.64 - $27.69 per hour

Other Information

Special Conditions

Special Conditions Weekend work required, Non-standard work hours required, A probationary period may be required, Contingent on continued funding, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), Travel to and from worksites required, This position is ineligible for telework due to the essential functions, Background Check required for this position

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Union Position

Union Position Yes, UVMSU

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Job Location

Job Location Location listed in Advertising Copy or Other Information

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/09/2026

Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)

Open Until Filled No

The University of Vermont is a welcoming, educationally purposeful community committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces intellectual diversity and global perspectives. We seek to prepare students to be accountable leaders who will bring to their work a grasp of complexity, effective problem-solving and communication skills, and an enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct. Members of the University of Vermont community embrace and advance the values of Our Common Ground: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Staff play a critical role in this effort and the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to UVM’s mission and advancing Our Common Ground values through the execution of their job duties.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Research Laboratory OC3 N

Posting Number

Posting Number S6346PO

Department

Department Food Systems Research Institut/30026

Position Number

Position Number 00027834

Percent of Full-Time

Percent of Full-Time 1.0

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE 37.5

Term (months per year)

Term (months per year) 12

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).