Dairy Operations Manager

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Job Title: Dairy Operations Manager Department: FAES | Agricultural Operations Administration As part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) team, the Dairy Operations Manager manages a robotic dairy facility supporting teaching, research and Extension programs.  Reporting to the Assistant Director, this role provides important oversight for Waterman Dairy Operations.  The Dairy Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a state-of-the-art robotic dairy facility, ensuring optimal animal health, welfare, and productivity. This position also provides leadership in integrating research and teaching activities within the facility, supporting academic programs, and applied research initiatives. The manager will collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to advance innovation in dairy production systems and promote educational excellence. The Dairy Operations manager will foster a collaborative team environment across the Waterman Dairy, MALC and Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, promoting effective communication, shared accountability, and alignment of operational goals to support integrated farm management.  Key Responsibilities: Operational Management Oversee all aspects of dairy herd management, including nutrition, reproduction, health, and welfare. Manage robotic milking systems, automated feeding, and precision technologies to optimize efficiency and milk quality. Ensure compliance with animal care standards, biosecurity protocols, and environmental regulations. Supervise facility maintenance, equipment calibration, and technology troubleshooting. Maintain accurate records related to animal health, production, and compliance and analyze data to identify trends and areas of improvement. Ensure heifer vaccination, reproduction, growth initiatives and movement to the Wooster Dairy Heifer Development facility are aligned with operational goals through close collaboration with the Wooster Dairy Operations Manager. Prepare and manage budgets, track expenditures, and optimize cost-efficiency. Manage inventory of feed, medications, equipment, and supplies. Recruit, train, and manage student employees. Schedule shifts and delegate responsibilities to ensure smooth operation. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Compliance & Biosecurity Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding animal welfare, food safety, and environmental standards. Work closely with the Biosecurity Manager to develop and enforce biosecurity protocols for dairy operations. Train staff and students on biosecurity practices. Education, Research & Innovation Support academic programs through experiential learning and may assist with hands-on instruction. Coordinate and support research projects conducted within the dairy facility, including data collection, protocol adherence, and reporting. Promote a culture of biosecurity awareness and accountability. Contribute to innovation in dairy and biosecurity management practices. Minimum Education  Required  Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field (or equivalent experience).  Required Qualifications 3 years of experience in Dairy production with experience in robotic systems 2 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.  Strong understanding of Dairy health, nutrition, and reproduction practices.  Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.  Proficiency in farm management software and Microsoft Office Suite.  Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.  Desired Qualifications  5 years of experience in dairy production with knowledge in robotic systems. Working Conditions Exposure to dust, odors, and varying temperatures.  Physical Requirements  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.  Work in varying environmental conditions (hot, cold, humid).  Requires physical activity including lifting, walking, and standing for extended periods. Salary Range: $58,700-$77,200. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications. Posting date: Applications will be accepted until midnight 1/13/2026 Additional Information: This job profile is a Manager 1, Agricultural Administration (M1 level) on the career roadmap. Location: Waterman - Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (1321) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process. Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions. The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. 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Salary : $58,700 - $77,200