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Dairy Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Manufacture Quality Lab Manager

Waterloo, NY ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Associate degree or higher in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Engineering, or related field preferred. * Previous experience in food or dairy quality assurance ...

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * 5+ years of quality leadership experience in dairy manufacturing ...

Plant Manager

Turlock, CA

$170K - $190K/yr

... Science, Dairy Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, specialized training, and progressively responsible ...

MSc or PhD in Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Engineering, or a closely related field, with a distinct academic focus on physical chemistry or advanced processing. * Experience: 1-3 (PhD) or 2-5 ...

MSc or PhD in Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Engineering, or a closely related field, with a distinct academic focus on physical chemistry or advanced processing. * Experience: 1-3 (PhD) or 2-5 ...

Sr. Scientist, Beverage

Valencia, CA ยท On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred). * 7 or more years in beverage R&D (5 or more with advanced degree) with ...

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Dairy Science information

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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do dairy science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for dairy science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dairy science?

Dairy science is the study of the production, handling, and processing of milk and dairy products. This field covers a range of topics including animal genetics, nutrition, milk quality, and dairy farm management. Professionals in dairy science work to improve the health and productivity of dairy animals, ensure the safety and quality of dairy foods, and develop new dairy products. Careers in dairy science can be found in research, farm management, quality assurance, and food technology.

What are jobs in dairy science?

Jobs in dairy science include everything from working as a veterinarian to farm and ranch management. As a dairy scientist, you research the production of milk on a farm. Your responsibilities include working closely with an animal as a vet or dairy farm worker to understand any issues surrounding its lactation. Other duties involve studying milk yields, improving animal welfare, and keeping animals healthy on a farm or ranch. Some dairy scientists work for drug companies to develop medicines and supplements for dairy cows. You can also work in a federal, state, or local agricultural department, creating policy involving the dairy industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in dairy science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Dairy Science, you need a solid background in animal biology, nutrition, and dairy production management, often supported by a degree in animal or dairy science. Familiarity with dairy herd management software, laboratory analysis tools, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail are important soft skills for optimizing herd health and productivity. These abilities are crucial to ensuring efficient, sustainable dairy operations and high-quality milk production.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in dairy science roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Dairy Science often encounter challenges such as maintaining herd health, ensuring milk quality, and adapting to evolving regulations and technologies. Managing animal welfare and optimizing production efficiency can require close collaboration with veterinarians, nutritionists, and farm staff. Staying current with best practices and technological advancements, such as automated milking systems or data-driven herd management tools, is essential. Many dairy scientists participate in ongoing professional development and work as part of multidisciplinary teams to address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Dairy Science vs Dairy Technologist?

AspectDairy ScienceDairy Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Dairy Science or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Dairy Technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, farms, processing plantsProcessing facilities, quality control labs
Industry UsageAcademic, research, and industry roles in dairy productionOperational roles in dairy processing and quality assurance

While both Dairy Science and Dairy Technologist roles focus on dairy products, Dairy Science is broader, emphasizing research, development, and education, whereas Dairy Technologists typically work directly in processing and quality control. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the dairy industry.

What does a dairy scientist do?

A dairy scientist researches and develops methods to improve dairy products, focusing on aspects such as milk quality, safety, and processing techniques. They often work in laboratories or production facilities, utilizing scientific knowledge in microbiology, chemistry, and engineering to enhance dairy operations and ensure product standards.

What is a dairy science degree?

A dairy science degree is an academic program focused on the study of milk production, dairy cattle management, and dairy product processing. It prepares students for careers in dairy farming, quality control, and industry research, often involving hands-on experience with livestock and dairy equipment.

What cities are hiring for Dairy Science jobs?

Cities with the most Dairy Science job openings:

What states have the most Dairy Science jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dairy Science jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dairy Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Serves as an Agricultural Commodity Grader responsible primarily for conducting plant survey inspections of dairy processing plants by evaluating plant premises, equipment, operations and products to determine compliance with official specifications/requirements and eligibility for official plant approval status. Performs verification audits according to established procedures and will also perform grading and inspection of dairy food products.
Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
FOR THE GS-10 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Inspect products for compliance with all types of contract specifications, to recognize all product defects.
  • Make, explain, or defend nearly all inspection determinations, only rarely requiring technical assistance in borderline cases.
  • Inspect or evaluate complicated processing equipment and procedures, and conditions of storage or transportation, such as is typical of most dairy products production and advising industry employees on product quality control methods.
OR OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Biology, Microbiology, Agriculture, Life Sciences, or related fields. or LL.M., if related
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-10 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER