Jobs and Careers

Assistant Manager - Dairy and Milk Operations

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 6 Aug 2025

💰 $51,870/yr($42,114/yr – $51,870/yr)

About the role

Job Title

Assistant Manager - Dairy and Milk Operations

Department

Farm Laboratory

Salary

$42,114 - $51,870; commensurate with experience

Job Summary/Basic Function

Under the direction of the Assistant Director – Dairy Operations and the Director of MTSU Farm Laboratories, the Assistant Manager – Dairy Operations is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the dairy unit. This includes feeding, milking, and training student workers. The Assistant Manager works a schedule planned and administered by the Assistant Director, in collaboration with and under the discretion of the Director. Additionally, the Assistant Manager assists with scheduling student workers, forage production, and supports the Milk Plant during labor shortages. In fulfilling this role, the Assistant Manager – Dairy Operations will be responsible for the following key responsibilities:

Daily Dairy Operations
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the dairy, including milking routines, feeding programs, and maintaining herd health. Ensures these operations run smoothly under the guidance of the Assistant Director – Dairy Operations and the Director of MTSU Farm Laboratories.

Feeding and Nutrition Management
Assists the Assistant Director – Dairy Operations to ensure livestock receive proper nutrition. This includes helping with feed inventory management, ration implementation, and maintaining high-quality forage supplies. Also participates in all aspects of crop and forage operations for the dairy, beef, and swine units, including fertilizing, planting, spraying, harvesting, and storing crops and forages to meet the nutritional needs of the livestock.

Student Worker Supervision and Educational Support
Facilitates the supervision and training of student workers, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and follow proper procedures for feeding, milking, and maintaining the dairy unit. Assists with developing and managing student work schedules to ensure adequate coverage for daily operations. Collaborates with faculty to support classes and other educational programs, fostering student engagement and experiential learning opportunities.

Milk Plant Support
Is cross trained in milk plant operations and assists as needed in all aspects of milk plant workflow. This includes, but is not limited to, milk processing, deliveries, milk testing, and facilities management. Provides essential support during labor shortages to ensure smooth operations in collaboration with the Manager - Milk Plant operations.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance
Ensures that all facilities and equipment used in farm operations are properly maintained and functioning efficiently. Responsibilities include routine maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing equipment as needed, and coordinating with external vendors for specialized repairs. Maintains clean and organized workspaces, including barns, equipment storage areas, and other farm facilities, to support safe and efficient operations. Assists in lagoon management and the maintenance and operation of irrigation equipment to ensure effective water and waste management systems.

Support for Farm Laboratory Operations
Provides support to farm units as needed, ensuring smooth daily operations and alignment with overall farm laboratory objectives. This includes performing other duties as assigned.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in an agricultural or related discipline.

Required Related Experience

No experience required.

Desirable Related Experience

Two (2) years in a farm cropping system, working knowledge of dairy, beef, and hog farm management, working knowledge of creamery operations, knowledge of budget, procurement bidding systems. Experience in human asset management, basic farm equipment, tour group/public speaking, and/or supervision of student workers preferred.