Dairy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dairy Herder
Job no: 510177
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 016600 - Foundation Herds
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: Jan 29 2026
Position Function:
Manage the research and production operations of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Bearden Dairy Research Center (Bearden Center).
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 625 undergraduate students and 20 faculty, both on campus and at research and extension centers throughout Mississippi. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200-acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and Bearden Research Dairy. The Bearden Dairy Research Facility is a 1,200 acre farm with 135-150 free-stall housed lactating cows, milking ~100 Holsteins and ~35 Jerseys in a modern Double 8 parallel milking parlor that was renovated in 2021-2022. The heifer/dry cow facility can house ~100 head. The cull cow herd of ~25-35 head is used for teaching in Animal and Dairy Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Maintain and manage all dairy operations including managing the parlor, staff, students, reproduction operations, and equipment and computer programs.
2. Managing of heifer and cow breeding programs and artificial insemination of animals.
3. Keep extensive records using PC Dart Herd Management Software.
4. Ensure all animal medical treatments and procedures are kept up to date and interact with veterinary faculty and staff.
5. Manage and maintain the Double 8 milking parlor equipment and the Dairy Plan 21 system.
6. Assist and support research project activities.
7. Train and manage Assistant Herders and Dairy Milkers with daily tasks and education.
8. Order commodities and manage commodity inventory and delivery of feed rations.
9. Other duties as assigned.
Shifts will vary. The successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as needed, and job requires flexible scheduling.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in animal and dairy science or closely related field.
Licensures:
Artificial insemination certificate.
Valid driver's license.
Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
Dairy cattle production and farm equipment operational experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of dairy operations.
Ability to supervise others.
Good communication skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position. Attach to the online application college transcripts, resume, and cover letter. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. Three names of reference along with contact information should be submitted with the application. Any questions should be directed to Ginger Cavinder, PO Box 9815, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662)325-2803, or glc140@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
June 17, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
Advertised: Jan 29 2026 Central Standard Time
Applications close:
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