"RESEARCH SPECIALIST SR - Beef Cattle Cow-Calf Specialist"

Hiring Department

Beef Research and Teaching Farm

Job Description

The University of Missouri is seeking qualified individuals to oversee the care and management of the cow-calf system at its Beef Research and Teaching Farm located in Columbia, MO. Duties related to this position include assisting in research protocols related to cow-calf production, nutrition and management, daily care of cattle, manufacture and delivery of feedstuffs, forage harvesting (hay/silage), grazing management, maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities used in the daily care of cattle, maintaining records in line with standard production and research practices, and following animal care and use (ACUC) protocols.

The University of Missouri’s Beef Research and Teaching Farm serves as a real-world laboratory that allows the University to develop practical solutions to beef cattle producers through cutting-edge research and to provide students with learning opportunities related to the care and management of beef cattle. The Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia, MO maintains grazing acreage capable of producing 300 cow-calf pairs in a fall and spring calving system. The farm also maintains an 800 head capacity feedlot facility equipped with feed monitoring equipment. This is a full-time position that will primarily involve working with faculty to implement protocols important to the care and management of the beef breeding herd and activities related to breeding, calving and grazing cow-calf pairs at the University of Missouri to support its research and teaching missions. This position provides daily care of animals in a manner described in various experimental protocols for animal research or standard operating procedures. Additional duties include the operation of equipment needed in the care and management of cattle together with the need to perform routine maintenance and repair on equipment and facilities used for cattle management. Flexibility to also assist on occasion with care of cattle in feedlot, stocker, and backgrounding production settings is also expected.

Key Responsibilities:

• 25% - Work with MU faculty, research staff, and graduate students to implement protocols important to the care and management of the beef breeding herd and activities related to breeding, calving and grazing cow-calf pairs at the University of Missouri to support its research and teaching missions.
• 20% - Provide daily care of animals in a manner described in various experimental protocols for animal research or standard operating procedures.
• 20% - Operation of equipment needed in the care and management of cattle together with the need to perform routine maintenance and repair on equipment and facilities used for cattle management.
• 10% - Flexibility to also assist occasionally with care of cattle in feedlot, stocker, and backgrounding production settings.
• 10% - Delivering different feed rations and stored forages to cattle and maintaining accurate feeding records.
• 10% - Work with other staff and faculty to create and assign tasks for student workers and provide oversight for their duties.
• 5% - Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Shift

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Some evenings and weekends may be required as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

5 years of experience in management of beef cattle in cow-calf production systems. Computer skills and knowledge of working with cattle. Must be able to lift 100 lbs repeatedly.

Candidates with research experience or a master of science degree in animal science in beef cattle nutrition, reproduction or genetics with an emphasis in cow-calf management are highly encouraged to apply.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $52,915.20 - $73,373.68 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS-9E
University Title: SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Application Materials

MU Application, Cover Letter, CV/Resume, and contact information for references will be required for hire.