Job Description

The Assistant Herd Caretaker supports field operations of the Research Center with a focus on livestock care, farm labor, equipment/machinery operation, and raising crops. This position also supports staff and faculty with the upkeep of Research Center grounds, equipment, and facilities. This position also supports outreach and educational activities including classes and events.

• Primary responsibilities include putting out feed and mineral, maintaining water boxes, assist with animal delivery, cleaning animal enclosures, and milking animals.
• Assists facility leadership and researchers with harvesting grains, grass, and other forage species.
• Operates various pieces of agricultural equipment including, but not limited to: tractors, skid steer loaders, tillage implements, planters, sprayers, hay equipment, rotary mower, lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc.
• Maintains records associated with animal care and regulations.
• Assists in day-to-day activities for the maintenance of grounds and infrastructure of the Research Center.
• Acts as support staff for mowing, spraying, irrigation, fertilization, and upkeep of landscaped areas and areas around/within research plots.
• Assists maintenance staff with carpentry work, painting, road grading, equipment maintenance and other general grounds keeping tasks.
• Other duties as assigned by the Facility Manager or Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • High School Diploma/GED

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of livestock and agricultural operations.

  • Ability to work with large farm animals/livestock.

  • Ability to assist in gathering samples and minor medical procedures.

  • Safe heavy equipment operation skills including tractors, backhoes, and skid steers.

  • Ability to work in adverse outdoor conditions for long periods of time.

  • Ability to follow instructions and work both independently as well as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Vocational or Technical Training
• Experience:
  • 2+ years of relevant experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Person in this position should have flexibility in skills to work with cattle and operate farm equipment.

Work Location:

• Location: Little River Dairy – Walland, TN
• Position is onsite, with regular overtime, and regular weekend and occasional holiday work.
• Position will have opportunity for free on-site housing.

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR04
• Anticipated hiring range: $18/hr
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume

About The Department:

One of ten AgResearch and Education Centers located throughout Tennessee, the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center serves as a field laboratory providing experimental plots, lands, livestock, orchards, equipment, and other types of support for research programs developed by AgResearch scientists. The Center was established on land purchased by the university in 1869. Since that time, six units have been added, increasing the Center’s land to nearly 2,000 acres.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!