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Night Shift- Agricultural Assistant at Dairy

University of Idaho
locationMoscow, ID 83844, USA
PublishedPublished: Published 3 weeks ago
Livestock / Animal Production
Full time
Posting Details

Classification Information

Posting Number
STH002194P

Employee Category
Student/Temporary

Position Information

Position Title
Night Shift- Agricultural Assistant at Dairy

Location
Moscow

Division/College
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Department
Palouse Research Center

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Pay Range
$20.79/hr

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Work Schedule Summary

This is a night shift position but may alternate shifts every 3 months. The night shift works from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am, while the day shift works 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

There is currently not expected end date for this position

Position Responsibilities

Position Summary

This position is responsible for milking approximately 120 Holstein cows in a double 6 herringbone parlor once per day, along with performing general maintenance and upkeep for the dairy.

The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
  • Performing daily, weekly, and monthly periodic maintenance
  • Cleaning and repair of milking and milk storage equipment
  • Daily cleaning of parlor, holding pen, maternity and hospital areas
  • Organizing and maintaining inventory of parts and materials related to the milking process
  • Training and directing students in the proper operation of the milking facility and animal handling in the parlor
  • Identifying and treating udder health problems
  • Assisting cows in parturition
  • Working with researchers in the gathering of milk samples and experimental data; and other duties as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned

Responsibilities

Job Duty Function
Milking:

Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Assisting cows in milking within parameters
  • Setting up pipeline system to transfer milk to bulk tank storage
  • Engaging refrigeration unit for product transfer
  • Monitoring and execute critical product temperature benchmarks
  • Identifying and isolate clinical mastitis and other health conditions of infected cows and treat according to protocol
  • Working with researchers in the gathering of milk samples and experimental data
  • Coordinating animal movement of approximately 120 individual cows
  • Engaging milking claws, pulsators, and hosing system within a double 6 herringbone parlor

Percentage Of Time
50%

Essential/Marginal
Essential

Job Duty Function
Equipment Maintenance:

Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Performing routine maintenance and repair of technologically advanced computer interfaced milking system
  • Identifying and troubleshoot failing pulsators, claws, hosing, pipeline, and bulk tank equipment items
  • Monitoring and execute system function
  • Organizing and maintain inventory of parts and materials related to the milking process

Percentage Of Time
30%

Essential/Marginal
Essential

Job Duty Function
Sanitation:

Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Executing daily sanitation per protocol of parlor, general milk house facilities, holding pens, milking systems, and milk storage tanks

Percentage Of Time
10%

Essential/Marginal
Essential

Job Duty Function
Training and Research:

Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Training and directing student help in routine milking assisted duties
  • Cooperating with researchers in executing and gathering experimental data
  • Interacting with students in class instruction laboratory setting

Percentage Of Time
5%

Essential/Marginal
Marginal

Job Duty Function
Other Duties:

Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Performing other duties as required

Percentage Of Time
5%

Essential/Marginal
Marginal

Position Qualifications

Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Animal husbandry experience to include working with cattle
  • Creating and maintaining records
  • Must be able to work non-standard hours including weekends
  • Possess a valid driver's license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in Dairy, and willingness to participate in team environment
  • Experience with operating procedures at the University of Idaho Dairy Center
  • Experience with Animal science research and education
  • Experience with good laboratory practice standards and their application
  • Experience with milking
  • Experience following specific instructions, directions, and working independently
  • Experience with Dairy equipment operation (milking machines, computers and milking parlor equipment)

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Must be able to:
  • Bend and stoop
  • Lift, carry or otherwise move items weighing up to 80 pounds
  • Stand and walk continuously throughout the workday
  • Work in inclement weather conditions

Posting Information

Posting Date
05/11/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your "Letter of Qualification" must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.

Background Check Statement

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Quicklink for Posting
https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/51484