"Dairy Operations Manager"

Dairy Operations Manager

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

Bachelors 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, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications.

Posting date: Applications will be accepted until midnight 1/13/2026

This job profile is a Manager 1, Agricultural Administration (M1 level) on the career roadmap.

Internal Number: R142581

Type: Full-time

Categories: Extension, Staff/Administrative