Junior Research Specialist/Research Specialist in Agriculture - Animal Sciences
University of Illinois

Job Info

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Department of Animal Sciences

(Multi-level) Junior Research Specialist/Research Specialist in Agriculture - Lincoln Avenue Dairy

EXTENDED

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Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story.

The University of Illinois is seeking a qualified individual to manage the daily operations at the Lincoln Avenue Dairy, Urbana, IL and coordinate research, teaching, and outreach activities at these sites. The position will supervisor unit staff including an assistant manager, full-time assistant research technicians, and student employees; and interacts closely with faculty, staff, students, administrators, other research unit supervisors, veterinarians, and compliance personnel. The dairy program is part of the Department of Animal Sciences multi-species research facilities located on the southern edge of the Urbana campus. The incumbent will coordinate collaboration among the research staff and the animal care staff. The dairy unit conducts research in genetics, nutrition, physiology, immunology, and management. The unit maintains approximately 100 Holstein cows and the associated replacement heifers. This historical facility has produced many novel ideas that have gone on to improve the dairy industry across the state and country. This position is primarily concentrated on the management and production of the research dairy animals being used for teaching and research. The facility hosts tours for visitors involved in the dairy industry around the world and prospective students.

SHORT DESCRIPTION SUMMARIZING POSITION:

The Lincoln Avenue Dairy Farm currently has one open Full-time 100%, position at either the Junior Specialist or Specialist classification. Candidate experience and qualifications will determine appropriate classification at time of job offer to the selected candidate.

Junior Specialist DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operation and Maintenance

1. Assist with operations at the Lincoln Avenue Dairy including animal care, inventory management, manure management, facility maintenance, and equipment maintenance

a. Work with the supervisor to ensure

i. Research is being conducted properly at the unit.

ii. Veterinary professionals are being kept up to date on herd health.

b. Provide proper treatment and care to animals at the unit.

c. Assist in making sure the facility maintenance and repair projects are being completed.

d. Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.

e. Make sure that all equipment at the unit is in safe and proper working condition. Make or arrange the proper repairs when needed.

2. Assist with the day-to-day supervision of the personnel of academic and non-academic staff working at the Lincoln Avenue Dairy.

Additional duties For Research Specialist:

a. Assist faculty in the coordination and procurement of animal health products to provide optimal care to the animals at the Nutrition Field Laboratory.

b. Manage operations at the Lincoln Avenue Dairy including animal care, manure management.

c. Complete and submit all animal inventories to administration and reporting agencies.

d. Submit and track facility work orders.

e. Ensure all equipment at the unit is functioning and in safe condition for use.

f. Complete all paperwork for hiring student employees.

g. Create and implement student and full-time staff work schedules.

Junior Specialist DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory and Financial Oversight

1. Promote and maintain a work environment with the highest standards of worker safety

a. Attend departmental operational, safety, and development meetings.

b. Establish and maintain professional and safe standards for facility appearance.

c. Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.

d. Provide training on and reinforcement of safe working standards including lock-out, tag-out, use of PPE, and electrical and chemical safety.

2. Ensure regulatory compliance with university, state, and federal agencies.

a. Establish written research targets, develop "Standard Operating Procedures", and enforce consistent research methodology associated with the unit.

Additional duties For Research Specialist:

a. Prepare annual budget prediction sheets.

b. Track and manage all finical accounts related to the unit.

c. Gather documents to set up purchase orders for the unit.

Junior Specialist DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Research, Teaching, and Outreach Leadership and Support

1. Coordinate facility use and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduate students, and others at the Lincoln Avenue Dairy.

2. Establish and conduct trainings for student employees of both the Lincoln Avenue Dairy to produce high-quality research results to include:

a. Milking procedures

b. Farm equipment operation

c. Cow/calf treatment and health care

d. Cow/calf feeding

e. Illness and injury detection

f. Humane euthanasia

3. Lead tours of the facility for internal and external groups.

4. Collect, analyze, evaluate, and summarize empirical data including formulation of recommendations and implementation of improvements and planning to facilitate programmatic goals.

5. Design, develop, implement, integrate, and maintain research data collection systems for the unit.

6. Enroll animals in and out of projects and track their usage.

7. Interact with state and national stakeholders to promote the University of Illinois and extend our land-grant mission by providing expertise for stakeholder issues

8. Other duties as assigned to support the unit and department.

Additional duties For Research Specialist:

a. Submit and keep up-to-date IACUC protocols for the unit.

b. Assist faculty in the procurement of animals for the Nutrition Field Laboratory.

c. Report Animals used on IACUC protocols to the IACUC.

d. Prepare for and conduct IACUC and AAALAC site visits of the unit.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Required: B.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.

Preferred:

For Specialist level M.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.

Experience

Required: 1+ years of hands-on experience managing or working with agricultural animals (2+ years for Specialist). Computer experience in record keeping and must be able to interpret and implement research protocols. Supervisory experience (2+ years of experience supervising and training others for Specialist).

Preferred: Experience with dairy cattle management and handling techniques (2+ years for Specialist).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required: Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously. The successful candidate must be capable of working compatibly with other employees and staff. Successful applicants must also be able to communicate well, both in written and oral formats, with faculty, administrators, inspectors, veterinarians, students, staff, and visitors. Ability and proficiency in humane euthanasia of cattle. Ability to work weekends.

Preferred: Understanding of research design and data collection standards. Familiarity with fistulated cattle. Knowledge of the calving process and ability to assist when problems arise. Ability to operate tractors and skid loaders.

Environmental Demands:

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may frequently weigh up to 50 pounds , and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the Department of Animal Sciences by contacting jfmosley@illinois.edu .

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS: This is a full-time, 100% professional appointment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The previously determined range for the Junior Research Specialist $58,656 - $63,500; Research Specialist $63,500 - $70,000.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

PROPOSED STARTING DATE: As soon as possible.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three processional references. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 18, 2024. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for your application to be considered .

For further information, please contact Jonathon Mosley, Department of Animal Sciences, via e-mail at jfmosley@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1026137
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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