TAU Dairy Manager

The mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine ( CVM) & NC State Veterinary Hospital, (VH) is to enhance animal and human health and well-being through the education and advanced training of veterinarians and provide leadership in veterinary care and outreach through interdisciplinary partnerships.

The Teaching Animal Unit ( TAU) is a dynamic teaching institution for veterinary students in all four years of the veterinary curriculum that includes experiences with swine, poultry, sheep, goats, horses and beef/dairy cattle. The purpose of the TAU is to provide realistic opportunities for veterinary students to learn the relationship between husbandry, production management, economics and the field of veterinary medicine. This live animal farming enterprise strives to function in a manner compatible with a financially viable agricultural enterprise by emphasizing current best management practices for an environmentally enriched, animal welfare friendly operation. This student exposure is accomplished annually by providing live animal educational training for seven senior 2-week clinical rotations, six 1-week selective and in excess of 150 teaching laboratories (currently comprising 100 students per class at 25 students per lab and 4th year clinical rotations as needed.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

This role leads the daily operations of the TAU Dairy Unit, ensuring the seamless integration of animal care, teaching support, and farm productivity. You will oversee all aspects of herd management-including health, reproduction, and nutrition-while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare. A key part of the position is working closely with student employees, technicians, faculty, and DVM students, providing hands-on training and mentorship that enriches the educational mission of the unit.

You will serve as the primary point of contact for all inspections, regulatory compliance, and milk quality monitoring, ensuring that the Dairy Unit consistently meets Grade A production standards and all co-op, state, federal, and IACUC requirements. This includes staying current with industry best practices, PMO guidelines, and necessary continuing education. The role also involves troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining fiscal accountability, and contributing to long-term planning for capital improvements and evolving instructional or operational needs.

Beyond daily management, you will play a critical role in sustaining the unit's resilience during inspections, adverse weather, and unexpected disruptions. This position is central to advancing TAU's mission by supporting high-quality education, safe and compliant operations, and exceptional standards of animal care. The individual in this role must be able to move 50-70 lbs with or without reasonable accommodations.

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

Bachelor's degree and two years of general research experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Hands-On Dairy Operations Experience:
Demonstrated experience in dairy herd management, daily farm operations, and practical application of industry best practices.

Teaching or Instructional Skills:
Experience delivering educational content such as labs, workshops, or training sessions in an academic or farmbased learning environment.

Student Supervision and Mentorship:
Proven ability to supervise, train, and mentor students or earlycareer professionals, fostering both skill development and professional growth.

Veterinary or Academic Farm Experience:
Familiarity with veterinary teaching programs, research environments, or academic farm operations, with an understanding of their unique expectations and workflows.

Valid Drivers License.
Ability to attain other certifications as needed for farm operations.

In addition to a fully completed application please submit the contact information for at least 3 professional references and a resume. You may also submit an optional cover letter.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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