Research/Lab Manager

Under the supervision of the Animal Operations Manager, oversee operations of approximately 12,000 acres of agricultural land, facilities and livestock (cattle, sheep, and horses) used in the research and educational activities conducted at the Red Bluff Research Facility. Interact effectively with the Animal and Range Science Department Head, the Animal Operations Manager, faculty, staff, students, and constituents in support of the research and education programs of the College.

Duties and Responsibilities

Care and monitoring of all livestock.
Lambing out 700 ewes and calving out 150 cows annually.
Breeding, weaning, pasture moves, fence and corral maintenance, and doctoring.
Follow AACUC guidelines at MSU facilities while practicing low stress livestock handling techniques.
Hiring, training, and supervising all Red Bluff Research Facility personnel.
Coordinating use, maintenance, and repair of equipment and facilities.
Coordinating research and educational activities as described in oral and written protocols.
Understanding, improving, and monitoring range and riparian conditions at the Red Bluff.
Communicating effectively with researchers, educators, and the general public.
Work as needed at BART for haying and other duties.
Lead Red Bluff livestock facility operations, maintenance, and improvements.
Work with livestock operations manager, as well as Equine, Sheep, and Town Foremen to plan and conduct labor needs, to accomplish overall livestock projects and goals.
Keep accurate production records on animals as well as hay and purchased feedstuffs.
Develop appropriate livestock feeding protocols and keep accurate records of harvested feeds and supplements fed.
Ensure that animal use agreements are being followed.
Participate in feedstuff production, seeding, spraying, irrigating, and harvesting both irrigated and dryland hay.
Maintain and oversee all shop database records and assist with prioritization of equipment scheduling, maintenance, and repair.
Assist livestock operations manager to plan, execute, and perform safety meetings for all livestock operations employees on a regular basis.
Assist and coordinate with all research projects as the need arises.

Required Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor's degree. in Animal or Range Sciences or a closely related field. an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Experience in managing budgets, as well as establishing and maintaining records.
Demonstrated competence in identifying and treating illness and disease in sheep and cattle.
Experience in range and pasture management and monitoring.
Demonstrated experience with cattle and sheep calving and lambing, handling, behavior, husbandry, and modern management knowledge and skills.
Demonstrated experience managing facilities and equipment operation and minor repair.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Experience with livestock, range, and forage research programs in a higher education setting.
Established experience in artificial insemination, synchronization of heat techniques, and pregnancy diagnosis.
Experience in coordinating and prioritizing repair and maintenance schedules of farm and ranch equipment.
Proficiency with hand tools including welding, metal, and wood work.
Ability to communicate in Spanish.
Experience in supervising and directing personnel.
Established competence and experience in computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.

The Successful Candidate Will

Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
Successfully plan, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Possess the ability to handle livestock with Low Stress handling techniques.
Have excellent written and oral communications.
Possess the ability to facilitate ranch operations with all divisions and individuals at Red Bluff Research Facility.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Driver's License as well as have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points).
This position is an agriculturally designated position and requires non-traditional work schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Have or willingness to get a CDL.
Have or willingness to get a pesticide applicators license.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

Physically manage livestock and operate farm machinery.
Ability to maneuver and transport animals around 100 lbs; such as feeding and handling baby calves on a regular basis.
Must have the ability to work in adverse weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, and dust, and be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed in this description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?
Yes