Manager, Dairy Teaching Research Center

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 57,590 - 102,850; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire is seeking a Farm Manager for the Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center in Durham. This full-time role involves leading the facility’s research, teaching, and outreach missions while overseeing farm operations and staff management.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of dairy farm experience, strong leadership skills, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The position offers a salary range between $57,590 and $102,850 based on credentials and experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience on a dairy farm with leadership responsibilities.
• 4+ years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations and manage diverse stakeholder groups.
• Supervise staff and ensure effective farm operations.
• Oversee animal health standards and protocols.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Supervisory and leadership skills

Experience in managing interpersonal interactions

Training in animal care

Experience using computers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field

Tools

Farm equipment and machinery

Basic mechanics knowledge

Job description

Reporting to the Director of the NH Agricultural Experiment Station, the incumbent will be responsible for leading the research, teaching, and outreach mission of the UNH Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center. The manager oversees, stewards, and directly participates in the farm’s operational, personnel, and financial activities to ensure timeliness and success of animal management and care, infrastructure soundness, and interpersonal interactions. The manager supervises the full‑time farm staff and student employees; is the primary coordinator of research projects, teaching activities (with a particular focus on enabling success of the UNH CREAM program), and engagement events on the farm, working with faculty, extension professionals, and staff; and works with external vendors and partners critical to effective dairy farm operations. In collaboration with the UNH Farm Services unit, the manager will coordinate manure management and crop storage activities. Through thoughtful and responsible leadership that emphasizes high standards for human and animal safety, strong and respectful interpersonal relationships with internal and external partners, and cost‑effective operational management, the manager leads UNH Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center through a culture that enables research that supports tomorrow’s New Hampshire dairy industry, impactful hands‑on education that empowers tomorrow’s food system workforce, and state and industry recognition that UNH is a key destination for dairy science knowledge and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership of operations and people

• Provide overall leadership of the facility and the many diverse groups of stakeholders (researchers, instructors, students, student workers, residents, visitors, internal and external vendors and partners) who use and support the facility to meet the research, teaching, and engagement missions of UNH.
• Ensure that there is a collegial, communications‑driven, and supportive culture of work that ensures that all those who use and visit the facility are welcomed and productive.
• Supervise full time employees, student workers, and adjunct staff.
• Be an active participant in regular meetings with other farm managers.
• Work with the NHAES operations manager to oversee the facility’s budget and provide responsible fiscal leadership.
• Work with the NHAES Director to identify, plan, and execute strategic investments to ensure long‑term sustainability of the facility and its operations.

Animal health and care

• Oversee the overall standards and protocols for animal care, healthcare, and data logging, ensuring that they follow industry best practices, align with UNH IACUC requirements and USDA requirements, and are coordinated with the UNH Attending Veterinarian.
• Identify and participate in continuing education of animal health and care and actively incorporate new knowledge and practices into the facility’s standard operating procedures.
• With the assistant manager, manage herd health and breeding.
• Provide training and instruction to staff, student workers, students, and others in identifying animal care issues and managing them.
• Ensure that veterinary supplies and records are regularly maintained, checked, ordered, and disposed of properly.

Farm operations

• Participate in daily facility cleaning and animal feeding and milking chores.
• Ensure effective milk and animal sales.
• Working with UNH Farm Services, ensure effective manure management.
• Working with UNH Farm Services, ensure effective seasonal delivery and storage of feed.
• Ensure that there are sufficient student and adjunct staff employees and student residents to ensure effective farm operations.

Equipment and facilities maintenance and repair

• Track and conduct preventative maintenance on farm machinery and infrastructure.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal (UNH Facilities, UNH Farm Services) partners and external vendors to ensure timely and effective repairs of facilities and equipment.
• Ensure that farm, office, and student living facilities meet safety, comfort, and presentability standards for employees; faculty, staff, and students; residents; and visitors.

Assisting with research and teaching activities

• Working with researchers to coordinate, set up, and facilitate research projects.
• Working with instructors to provide guest lectures, educational activities at the farm, and coordinate classes and student clubs.
• Engaging with faculty, staff, extension professionals, and NHAES staff to organize outreach events at the farm for external stakeholders and audiences.

Other duties

• Other related and relevant duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, dairy science, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years experience working on a dairy farm, with demonstrated progression in responsibility and leadership.
• 4+ years of supervisory and leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advanced mechanical repairs and management.
• Experience with conducting or supporting agricultural research, including knowledge IACUC protocols.
• Experience in agricultural education and training.
• Knowledge and experience of overseeing building and other farm infrastructure construction and repair projects.
• Valid CDL.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to timely and effective communication among employees and stakeholders.
• Supervisory and leadership skills needed to hire, train, and retain full-time and student employees.
• Experience in managing interpersonal interactions and leading supportive and collegial working environments for employees of different experience levels and skillsets.
• Training and experience in animal care and health topics, including artificial insemination and breeding.
• Knowledge and repair experience in basic mechanics.
• Experience in operating farm equipment and machinery (including milking equipment, feeding equipment, and mini loader) and ability to train other workers.
• Experience using computers for managing animal information, employee record keeping, and payroll.
• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of this job including heavy work (lifting up to 50 pounds) with exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to wear and use appropriate personal protection equipment as necessary.
• Commitment to building and maintaining a culture of shared responsibility, team‑based success, and continuous improvement.

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)

• Current resume that demonstrates skillsets and experience relevant to the position description.
• Cover letter that provides a vision for leading a teaching and research dairy farm at a land‑grant university and examples of relevant skillsets and experiences that demonstrate a strong fit with the position.
• Names and contact information (verified email and/or phone number) of three references.

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

Priority Review Deadline

Applications submitted prior to July 19, 2026.

FTE

Full-time, benefitted, salaried 1.0 FTE position.

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Location

Durham

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range

$57,590.00 - $102,850.00

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources