Dairy Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job no: 560310
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Campus
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Agriculture

The Animal Science Department offers degree programs in both Animal and Dairy Science. Students learn principles ofanimal biology, husbandry, behavior, nutrition, and reproduction with molecular biology and other life sciences in a variety of species. These principles apply to farm animals, wildlife, laboratory animals, and companion animals. The curriculum is flexible, allowing each student to plan an individual curriculum aligned with their interests and career goals. This is a comprehensive hands‑on program offering learn‑by‑doing opportunities to gain experience with a variety of animal species.

The beef cattle production and management position is intended to advance livestock through the application of existing and emerging technologies for improved animal production, health, optimizing sustainable resources utilization, animal welfare, health, and production efficiency. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in animal and dairy science. Teaching assignments will depend on the candidate’s background and the department’s needs. Duties may also include, but are not limited to, supervision of undergraduate senior projects, graduate student mentoring, and academic advising.

Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:

Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

A doctorate (Ph.D.) in Animal Science, Dairy Science, or a closely related field. Experience and interest in beef cattle is essential. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment.

Candidates are expected to have expertise in one or more of the following: reproductive physiology, genetics, forage utilization, ruminant nutrition, animal behavior, immunology, and genetics. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public is essential. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student‑centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings, are required.

Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate teaching are required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to communicate with industry supporters to secure external funding.

Preference will also be given to candidates with applied and innovative research efforts utilizing beef cattle, particularly in areas with clear application to California Agriculture. Industry experience, a commitment to excellence in teaching at the university level, a record of successful academic research, and the demonstrated ability to generate external funding will all be given preference.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well‑being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco‑free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. At Cal Poly, tenure‑line faculty are expected to establish an on‑campus presence.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester‑based year‑round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full‑time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two‑semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

The Animal Sciences Department, which includes over 800 students in the two majors, boasts the most comprehensive and the best undergraduate program in livestock production and management in the West. Through its faculty and students, the Department manages commercial herds and flocks of dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry encompassing over 5000‑acres to support the Learn by Doing philosophy. Graduates of Animal Science and Dairy Science are prepared for meaningful careers in the animal industries, allied professions, and graduate studies. Swanton Pacific Ranch is a 3,200‑acre ranch in Santa Cruz County, California, outside the town of Davenport. The ranch is owned and operated by California Polytechnic State University for educational and research in sustainable agriculture.