Dairy Farm Herd Manager

Dairy Farm Herd Manager

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:
Farming and Agriculture

Type:
Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Dairy Farm Herd Manager plays a vital role in leading the health, performance, and overall success of the dairy herd. This position oversees all aspects of herd management, including animal health, reproduction (AI, palpation), calving, nutrition, feeding, milking, and data-driven decision-making. The Herd Manager is key to advancing animal welfare, optimizing production, and strengthening the herd's genetic program.

Working closely with the attending veterinarian and in partnership with the Farm Operations Manager, this role combines hands-on animal care with independent decision-making. The Herd Manager also supports the farm's mission as a hub for research and teaching, ensuring all activities meet regulatory standards (including IACUC) and contributing to the development of innovative, animal-based research projects.

Herd Health, Production & Operations

• Lead the day-to-day management of the dairy herd and facilities.
• Oversee nutrition, reproduction, milking, calving, housing, and animal comfort to ensure high performance and welfare standards.
• Manage AI and genetic programs to support long-term herd improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for veterinary care and ensure proper use and compliance of all treatments and medications.
• Plan and coordinate operational needs, including inventory, equipment, and facility readiness.

Research & Data Management

• Help operate the farm as a dynamic, real-world research environment supporting multiple studies.
• Utilize herd management and nutrition software to track performance and generate reports on reproduction, production, and health trends.
• Identify opportunities to improve data quality and research accuracy.
• Collaborate with researchers to design protocols, manage data collection, and contribute to analysis, reporting, and publications.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Champion high standards in animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure adherence to IACUC guidelines, FDA/USDA requirements, and Grade A milk standards.
• Maintain accurate records, drug tracking systems, and documentation to support inspections and research activities.
• Promote a culture of safety, biosecurity, and continuous improvement.

Training & Collaboration

• Mentor and train students, staff, and research personnel in dairy management and animal care practices.
• Support hands-on teaching labs and demonstrations.
• Partner with faculty, veterinarians, and industry professionals to advance research and share knowledge.
• Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and stay current with advancements in dairy science.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Dairy Science or Animal Science or equivalent experience in dairy farm management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dairy farm herd management experience.

Required License or Certification:

• Valid Driver's License required.
• Valid NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.

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