Farm Assistant Manager

This position will assist with oversight of the poultry teaching and research center on MSU’s south campus. Included in this oversight is the training, scheduling, and mentoring of the staff and students. Work involves facilitating research, teaching, and outreach programs.  This position requires working on some weekends and holidays, as well as standby time. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, is subject to all weather conditions, and can be in noisy or dusty areas.

• Assist with animal care and breeding programs and provide recommendations to the Farm Manager to carry out the land grant mission of MSU.
• Assist with outlining daily tasks with farm staff and communicating needs to the Farm Manager.
• Load and transport animals to other on-campus facilities, off-campus locations, exhibits, and sales for teaching, research, procurement, and marketing purposes.
• Assist in the handling, movement, and composting of manure and the disposal of dead animals.
• Manage the CLC store and website

• Ensure compliance with IACUC, AAALAC, and MSU Environmental Health and Safety standards, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains health and safety standards to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal rules and regulations.

• Assist with teaching, class laboratories, and tours, which may include being the lead instructor on entry-level laboratories and preparing animals or facilities to be used for teaching when the Farm Manager is not available.
• Assist the farm manager with the preparation, coordination, and facilitation of research project implementation.
• Serves as liaison with clients, customers, vendors, and university departments to provide expertise in poultry production.

• Inspect facilities and equipment to determine the scope of necessary maintenance and repair to ensure animal and human safety and supply support to farm maintenance laborers.
• Manage and maintain the robotic feed system, assess and troubleshoot the programming of LHF lighting and ventilation systems.
• Perform routine maintenance of facilities and equipment daily.
• Maintain facility areas in a clean and orderly manner.

• Assist with ordering, receiving, and storing equipment and supplies, animals, and feed.
• Manage order fulfillment, packaging, shipping, invoicing, and reconciliation of accounts payable for poultry facility
• Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly inventories of livestock, feed, and supplies, including monitoring propane levels.

• Work with the farm manager to explore additional revenue opportunities
• Serve on workgroups and/or committees

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Animal Science or agricultural related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in supervision, all areas of farm work/production related to the area of employment; experience in computer usage; and knowledge of farm equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Frequent lifting of over 75 pounds, bending, and climbing. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator license is required. 

Bachelor’s degree in a field related to animal science and poultry production, and an interest in managing a multi-species poultry facility and a state-of-the-art laying hen facility. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of professional judgment, independent decision-making, excellent communication and customer service skills, strong organizational and time management skills, and a positive attitude. Familiarity and ability to use poultry-specific equipment and tools. Basic knowledge of animal agriculture and poultry production facilities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

STANDARD 8-5

This if an off dated position funded until December 31, 2029 from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Frequent lifting of over 75 pounds, bending, and climbing.

Work with animals.

Work in noisy environments (at or above 85 decibels).

Advertised: Aug 26, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 8, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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