Director Of Livestock Operations

Director of Livestock Operations

The Animal & Rangeland Sciences is seeking a Director of Livestock Operations. This is a full-time (1.00FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. The research and teaching farms of Animal and Rangeland Sciences exist to serve the needs of teaching, research, and extension related activities of OSU faculty, staff, and students. Its mission is to be a resource base for the State of Oregon that is a model for environmentally and economically sustainable animal agriculture production and natural resource utilization. This position provides professional management to multiple animal operations which involve research/teaching farms, facilities, and equipment. Units include Dairy Center, Sheep Center, Poultry Center, Horse Center, Beef Ranches, Meat Lab, and Farm Services. Management includes supervisory authority and coordination of classified farm unit managers, oversight for day-to-day operation of the units, budget management, priorities for maintenance and repair, equipment needs, and coordination of feed procurement. Occasionally, this person will have to assist or cover for farm unit managers in emergency situations, which requires the ability to operate large farm equipment and utilize low-stress animal handling. The person in this position will interact with department administration, faculty researchers and instructors, extension personnel, classified support personnel, students, and local interest and stakeholder groups.

Key Responsibilities - 35% Supervision: Supervise farm unit managers and staff (up to 7.0FTE) and student employees to include planning, assigning, and approving work, disciplining, and rewarding, responding to grievances, hiring, and firing, and preparing and signing performance evaluations. Oversight and coordination responsibility for 7 individual farm units. Direct and coordinate assigned labor force to include training and developing of work schedules, supervise and participate in the maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment and unit housing. Coordinates with faculty and farm unit managers to provide student labor for care of animals used in research, teaching, and extension. Review and approve leave requests and attendance records for assigned staff. Train classified employees and students that this position supervises, including safety training and documentation relating to animals, equipment, and general safety. Provide training for future Farm Unit Managers. Serves as the backup for all Farm Unit Managers. 35% Farm, Land, and Livestock Management: Determine the need for feeds, livestock supplies, livestock equipment, farm machinery and repairs and maintenance of equipment and general farm maintenance. Evaluate machinery and equipment needs for replacement and repair. Oversee and ensure regular maintenance and repair of buildings, fences, and equipment; participate as needed. Manage 4 to 5 departmental dwelling units. Schedule work as needed with unit personnel and/or with outside contractors/vendors if needed. Coordinate and provide assistance if needed with farm units on hay/corn silage harvest, grazing management, including clipping, irrigation, replanting and assisting as needed with actual harvest. In addition, provide assistance in animal handling, vaccinating, feeding livestock etc. across the livestock farms will be required at times. Operate equipment as needed for above duties. Manage all land assigned to the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences. Keep records of fertilizer and herbicide application on pastures and hay ground. Schedule the application of livestock manure from storage units on the farms. Make decisions on pasture management including seed procurement, pasture improvement, monitor pest infestation, and organize harvesting of forage. Manage the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation program. Management of Farm Services, Hogg Animal Metabolism Building, Oldfield Animal Teaching Facility Arena, facilities, and personnel. 20% Research and Teaching Management: Track and respond to faculty teaching and research requests in a priority manner. Instill a culture of the importance of research and teaching in the management of the units. When conflicts arise, this position brings conflicts to the Associate Department Head. Ensure compliance with unit and research compliance protocols, as well as cooperating with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) on inspections and required reporting. Ensure IACUC and department protocols are followed and AAALAC accreditation is maintained; record and maintain research data. Follow unit and research compliance protocol, as well as cooperating with IACUC on inspections and required reporting. As needed, perform routine animal husbandry practices. Communicate with research and teaching faculty about changes in farm procedures and animal base. Updates the faculty on farm status and serves as the contact between the faculty and farm units. Coordinates all research, teaching, and extension for facilities this position directly supervises. Coordinates and communicates with other departments, agencies, and the public. 10% Budget: Working closely with Associate Department Head on the farm units expense budget (approximately $1,280,000 in Fiscal Year 2026) and providing budget use recommendations based on department priorities, unit, and research needs. Responsible for all purchases over $4,999.99 and approve all purchases for facilities this position directly supervises. Responsible for setting and adjusting fees for common use units. Work closely with Associate Department Head, Department Head and Financial Strategic Services to ensure fiscal responsibility is met.

What You Will Need - Master's degree in the area of animal science or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least 5 years' experience in animal and facility experience. At least 3 years of agricultural and/or agricultural-based research experience. Promoting and enhancing inclusive excellence in the College of Ag Sciences. Proficient in the use of networked computers including applications for word processing, Microsoft Excel or comparable software, electronic mail, and scheduling. Ability to make independent decisions and recommendations which align with policies, and act as a resource person. Prior experience working with livestock rations, experience on a modern livestock operation (animal and facility care and maintenance), and knowledge of large animal breeding and herd health practices. Must be able to operate farm equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, front-end loaders, feed wagons. Effective written and verbal communication skills. This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have - Experience with harvesting and grazing forages, livestock and/or poultry operations, and waste management. Previous experience supervising and managing people. Previous experience managing animal facilities.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule - Employee works with many types of farm equipment, including a front-end loader and mixer wagon, has contact with toxic chemicals, handles small and large farm animals (including sheep, poultry, swine, horses and cattle). Frequency of these exposures is daily for some and weekly/monthly for others. Works in all types of weather extremes. Works alone for long periods of time. Employee is on their feet much of the time. Occasionally lifts up to 50 pounds. Office/Computer work. Travel may be required.

Pay Method - Salary

Pay Period - 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date - Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range - $66,316 - $91,139