Temp Farm Animal Attendant

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, MN, seeks a seasonal part-time calf research assistant to support feeding, cleaning, and data collection for calf projects.

You will work Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with 100% time, assisting with bedding, waterers, equipment cleaning, and general maintenance. Teamwork and reliability are essential, and background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Interest in agricultural/environmental science field.
• Experience working effectively in a team setting.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Must be 16 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Assist with feeding, cleaning, watering and taking notes on calf research projects.
• Maintain animal bedding to provide clean and dry pens.
• Maintain and clean waterers.
• Cleaning of equipment (pails, calf pens, work areas, cattle trailer).
• Maintenance and repairs of building and equipment.
• Clean livestock barns of liquid and dry manure.
• Spread manure, operate and maintain liquid manure agitators.
• Handling, moving, and sorting animals up to 600 lbs.

Skills

Interest in agri/environmental science

Teamwork experience

Follow written and verbal instructions

Age 16 or older

Job description

About the Job

We are looking for a seasonal employee to work in the calf research program at the Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca, MN. The successful applicant will assist with feeding, cleaning, watering and taking notes on calf research projects.

Position Responsibilities

• Maintain animal bedding to provide clean and dry pens.
• Maintain and clean waterers.
• Cleaning of equipment (pails, calf pens, work areas, cattle trailer.
• Maintenance and repairs of building and equipment.
• Clean livestock barns of liquid and dry manure.
• Spread manure, operate and maintain liquid manure agitators.
• Handling, moving, and sorting animals up to 600 lbs.

Percent Time: 100%

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Work Hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Southern Research & Outreach Center, Waseca, MN

Contract: Part-Time

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Educational, certification and work experience are based on, and cannot exceed, the qualifications for work performed in comparable UM job classification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in the agricultural/environmental science field.
• Experience working effectively in a team setting.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Must be 16 years of age or older.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $15.25; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.