Livestock Production Specialist - Department of Animal Resources

The Tufts Farm is an integral unit of the Cummings Department of Animal Resources. The farm maintains teaching, research, and production herds of many common agricultural species including cattle, sheep, poultry, and horses. In addition to providing an opportunity for hands-on instruction and skill development of students in the professional DVM curriculum, the farm manages 110 acres of hay, 20 acres of corn and 60 acres of pasture.

The Livestock Production Specialist is a vital member of the integrated team responsible for the care and feeding of our cattle, sheep, horses and chickens and performs all aspects of crop production. The team works closely with the Cummings faculty to train veterinary and other students in safe and humane handling of livestock and in performing routine clinical procedures. The Livestock Production Specialist will devote approximately 60% of their time to supporting husbandry of all the farm species including feeding of animals and cleaning farm animal housing areas.

We support a growing and sophisticated research program.

Essential functions for the Livestock Specialist include:

• Supporting husbandry of all the farm species (horses, sheep, cattle, poultry )including feeding of animals and cleaning farm animal housing areas.
  • Specialized tasks include but are not limited to operation of farm machinery, artificial insemination of cattle, and nursing care of sick animals under veterinary supervision.

All farm employees are cross trained to be able to work with all species on an equal basis.

Record keeping:

• Under supervision of Farm Manager, maintain needed records and assist with scheduling of shipments, coordination of health certificates, invoices and other required documentation.

Teaching:

• Prepare barns for clinical instruction and provide instruction of DVM and other students in humane animal handling, performance of basic veterinary procedures and animal husbandry.

Crop production and waste management:

• Produce crops including hay and corn silage using equipment such as tractors, mowers, tedders, balers and choppers.
• Manage waste by managing compost piles and spreading compost on hay and corn fields.

Research:

• Support research by recording data as required, participating in research projects, and administering medications as required
  
  

This position will work 40 hours per week on a shifted schedule (Wednesday-Sunday).

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience as typically acquired by a HS Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 1 year experience with livestock husbandry and production, including manure handling, livestock restraint and handling, feeds and feeding, use of common farm equipment, and breeding.
• Ability to operate and maintain common farm equipment including skid steers, tractors, dump trucks and implements used to create forage crops
• Interest and enthusiasm for teaching
• Collaborative and collegial attitude
• Ability to work weekends and occasional holidays
• Computer skills, including MS Excel, MS Word.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AS/AA or higher in Animal Science, Business or other relevant field
• Advanced training or experience with farm equipment operation and with horses, poultry, cattle, and/or sheep highly desirable.
• Flexibility and skill in a fast-paced environment