Farm Animal Attendant

About the Job

POSITION: One, full-time position at $22.17 per hour. working 40 hours a week. Hours and days of work can vary as determined by the supervisor. This is a full-time position with a start date of Oct. 14, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: Operation, maintenance and record keeping functions related primarily to the care of beef cattle, sheep, and goats, with occasional care of dairy cattle and swine. The successful candidate will plan and assign work to students, instruct in proper work methods and care of meat animals; purchase, prepare, and provide animal feed and bedding; keep high-quality feeding records; observe, monitor, and care for animal health and conditions daily, including on-campus and on-pasture; keep breeding, health, birth and disposal records; assist veterinarian in treatment of injuries and other treatments including castrations, docking, hoof trimming, artificial insemination, blood sample collections, and vaccine administration; construct and repair barbed-wire, electric, and other fences; monitor/control pests and parasites; clean and maintain sanitation of barns, pens, working facilities, water tanks and other animal facilities; maintain and operate skid steers, pickups, trailers, and other farm equipment; make minor repairs on equipment, tools and facilities; maintain a clean and safe environment for working and learning; work closely with faculty to coordinate animal care with academic and research needs; and hire, schedule, train, and supervise student workers within the Animal Science program. 

In addition to the previously noted responsibilities, this Farm Animal Attendant will be responsible for maintaining the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) animal records and maintaining and updating the Standard Operating Procedures protocols as needed. This Farm Animal Attendant will also be responsible for ensuring that IACUC-mandated trainings are completed for all workers. 

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school graduation or equivalent and three years of related experience in animal care including an understanding of cattle, sheep, and goat breeding and care; or high school graduate with a combination of related academic coursework and applicable work experience totaling three years; ability to occasionally lift up to 75 lbs., ability to work variable hours and days depending on animal needs and the needs of academic programs; possession of a valid driver’s license; and ability to read, write, and understand English. Final job offer contingent upon complete background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Post secondary education; bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or related field; demonstrated experience working with farm animals; demonstrated experience with equipment operation (skid steer, tractor, truck/trailer); and good interpersonal, communication, and team building skills.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

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 the U of M

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U’s major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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