Assistant Herder

Apply now Job no: 510124
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 016600 - Foundation Herds
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: Jan 8 2026

Assist in the research management and production operations of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Bearden Dairy Research Center (Bearden Center).

The Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 575 undergraduate students and 20 faculty, both on campus and at research and extension centers throughout Mississippi. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200-acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and Bearden Research Dairy. The Bearden Dairy Research Facility is a 1,200 acre farm with 135-150 free-stall housed lactating cows, milking ~100 Holsteins and ~35 Jerseys in a modern Double 8 parallel milking parlor that was renovated in .

The heifer/dry cow facility can house ~100 head. The cull cow herd of ~25-35 head is used for teaching in Animal and Dairy Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dairy Unit

January 2026.

• Managing the milking parlor.
• Assisting with breeding and medical treatments of dairy cattle.
• Extensive computer record-keeping that includes the management of spreadsheets and commercial programs that control milking parlor function.
• Assist with research activities.
• Train and observe student workers and interns with milking procedures.
• Assist with preparation and delivery of rations.
• Assist with heifer development and routine maintenance and cleaning of milking facilities.
• Supervision of interns and student workers.
• Any other duties as directed by the Dairy Herder.

Shifts will vary. The successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as needed, and job requires flexible scheduling.

• Bachelor of Science degree in animal and dairy science or closely related field.
• Valid driver's license.

• Dairy cattle production and farm equipment operational experience.

• Knowledge of dairy operations.
• Ability to supervise others.
• Good communication skills.

Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

All applicants must apply online s.msstate.edu to be considered for this position. Attach to the online application college transcripts, resume, and cover letter. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. Three names of reference along with contact information should be submitted with the application. Any questions should be directed to Ginger Cavinder, PO Box 9815, Mississippi State, MS 39762, , or glc
140.

Screening Date: January 22, 2026, until filled.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, .

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel:  or adatate.edu. If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at  or adatate.edu.

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Advertised: Jan 08 2026 Central Standard Time

Applications close: