About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.  

 

Job Summary

The position participates in the daily operations of the Agronomy Farm in cooperation with the Farm Superintendent and Cattle Management Faculty, including oversight in the care and feeding of beef cattle and maintenance of the cattle facility and grounds. Oversees all cattle, cattle barn employees, and maintains all cattle records. Serves as support staff for the teaching, research, and outreach programs of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (VASCI).

 

Essential Functions

Animal Care: 

• Supervises and participates in the management and daily care of the cattle herd, including: watering and feeding, cleaning and re-bedding pens, and maintaining cattle records.
• Develops and implements feeding plans (hay and grain) and rotational grazing plans in partnership with cattle management faculty.
• Conducts daily health checks and exercises sound judgment in contacting a veterinarian for evaluation/treatment as needed.
• Oversees safe cattle handling (calves through bulls) to protect animals, students, and staff.
• Assists with cattle medical and health maintenance programs, including both routine and emergency situations (such as calf delivery, hoof trimming, castration, and veterinary visits); and documents all care provided as required by teaching and research faculty, UMass Animal Care, and government authorities.
• Participates in herd reproductive management (including estrus detection, artificial insemination, bull management, and calving watch/calf care) in partnership with cattle management faculty.

Facilities Maintenance:

• Assists the Farm Superintendent in the maintenance of farm facilities and grounds.
• Conducts daily facility inspections (including barns, water troughs, pastures, and fences) and identifies and assists with facility improvements as needed.
• Maintains high standards of safety, cleanliness, and organization to support UMass academic and research use.
• Operates farm equipment and vehicles (including tractors, trailers, skid loaders, mowers, and chainsaws), and drives truck equipped with a livestock trailer for transporting cattle.  
• Participates in the general maintenance and repair of farm equipment.
• Assists in snow plowing and removal.

Agronomic Crop Production: 

In collaboration with the Farm Superintendent:

• Coordinates and supervises UMass hay production, including harvest, storage of dry and wrapped/ensiled bales, and maintains production records.
• Oversees pasture management activities such as mowing, herbicide application, soil testing, fertilizing, liming, aerating, and re-seeding.
• Assists with the production, harvest, and storage of forage grains, primarily dry corn.
• Supports the setup and maintenance of agronomic research projects.

Administrative:

• Completes daily cattle census and health records and ensures documentation meets USDA and IACUC guidelines for teaching and research protocols. Coordinates with the UMass Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (VASCI) and the UMass Animal Care Office on cattle protocols and registration.
• Hires, schedules, trains, and supervises student and seasonal staff; works alongside them to provide instruction, oversight, and feedback, particularly on cattle-related tasks.
• Purchases feed, medical supplies, and materials for teaching, research, and herd management; maintains current inventory records and ensures proper storage of veterinary products per FDA, USDA, and UMass Animal Care Office SOPs.
• Supports VASCI classes and events involving cattle or the Farm by preparing animals and facilities, assisting with animal handling, supervising students, supporting calving and cow-calf care, and mentoring students in proper practices.
• Maintains the barn calendar to schedule and track classes, events, and appointments.
• Assists with the planning and coordination of teaching, research, and outreach activities at the Agronomy Farm.

Other Function:

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness. 
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Three (3) years of animal husbandry experience with beef or dairy cattle, including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• MA Pesticide Applicator Certification (must be obtained within three (3) months from date of hire).
• Certification in Cattle Artificial Insemination (must be obtained within three (3) months from date of hire).
• Excellent cattle handling skills and knowledge of cattle behavior and first aid.
• Ability to operate cattle and hay farm equipment (e.g., tractors with loaders, UTVs, trucks with livestock trailers, mowers, manure spreaders, etc.).
• Knowledge of federal, state, and university regulations for animal use in teaching and research.
• Strong organizational and team skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Teams/Zoom).
• Ability to set priorities, solve problems, and follow-through on tasks.
• Ability to respond well in emergencies and to handle difficult situations in a logical and reasonable manner.
• Interest in mentoring students and building industry connections.

 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Five plus (5+) years of beef or dairy cattle management experience, including halter training and bottle-raising calves.
• Associate degree or higher in Animal Management or related field.
• Staff management and administrative experience.
• Experience designing low-stress cattle housing and handling systems
• Three plus (3+) years of dry and/or ensiled hay production and equipment operation.
• Experience with livestock operations, including: installing/maintaining fixed and electric fencing, rotational grazing and regenerative practices, and snow removal with truck-mounted plow.
• Familiarity with the local beef industry, including processing, marketing, and pricing (wholesale, auction, retail).
• Experience with handling and care of small ruminants, swine, and horses.
• Experience working in a university agricultural operation.

 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

The ability to:

• balance, carry, push/pull, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, and perform repetitive motion.
• operate heavy machinery.
• lift 50 pounds repetitively.
• work in adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation.
• work with hazardous chemicals (pesticides).
• work in dusty conditions.

 

Additional Details

• This position will receive functional supervision from the Agronomy Farm Superintendent and Cattle Management Faculty as needed.
• This position will be designated as essential personnel.

 

Qualifications Acquired on the Job

• Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) Guidelines and Training.
• Occupational Health and Safety Program Training.
• University Policies and Procedures Training.

 

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7AM – 3PM.

 

Salary Information

USA/MTA Non-Exempt, Grade 15.

 

Special Instructions to Applicants

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan).

 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.