Research Operations Manager II

The Dairy Enterprise System (DES) is a commodity-based operational unit within the Dept of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) consisting of the Lake Wheeler Dairy Farm, the Feldmeier Dairy Processing Lab, Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum, and the Dairy Education Center located at the entrance of the Dairy Farm. The individual units participate in Teaching, Research, and Extension of dairy sciences and technology, encompassing the production farm and dairy processing facility. Outreach to the general public is accomplished through the Dairy Education Center, where all components of dairy are highlighted as an educational tool for university students and all aspects of the general population.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

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What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

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Essential Job Duties

The Dairy Farm Operations Manager has the overall responsibility of managing and supervising all aspects of the 300 acre Lake Wheeler dairy farm complex including, but not limited to, the operations of milking, feeding, pasture management, facility and equipment maintenance and upkeep, regulatory compliance, personnel / HR duties, budgeting, purchasing and forecasting, teaching of laboratories, oversight of research trials, oversight of farm-based housing, wastewater management, student club support and the coordination of professional interfaces including veterinarians, animal and crop faculty, dairy industry representatives, suppliers and other agricultural colleagues.

The Operations Manager operates in a co-supervisory manner with the farm herdsman but supports that position's independence due to separation of duties and empowers the Herdsman with significant authority of decision-making as related to animal treatment and care.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of a teaching and research dairy farm.
• Align farm operations with industry best practices and the academic mission of NC State University.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of dairy science and production to ensure the facility functions as a premier real-world laboratory supporting research, teaching, and outreach.
• Exemplify modern agricultural practices appropriate for research and educational use.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements set by the FDA, USDA, and NCDA.
• Maintain Grade A Milk certification in accordance with FDA guidelines and ensure the farm remains inspection-ready at all times.
• Ensure compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, including during routine inspections.
• Coordinate closely with faculty, staff, and students to integrate academic and research activities into farm operations, ensuring that the facility supports and enhances the university's mission
• Uphold high standards of animal welfare, operational efficiency, and biosecurity across all aspects of the dairy operation.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Department of Animal Science (ANS), the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), and other university departments to ensure alignment of research and teaching initiatives with available farm resources.
• Assess labor needs, animal feed inputs, and milk production levels to support academic projects while maintaining quality control, comprehensive data collection, and the herd's commercial viability.
• Manage research, teaching, and industry collaborations and strategically allocate personnel, funding, and supplies to meet milk production DES requirements and academic goals.
• Evaluate and approve research project proposals, contributing to the development of long-term operational strategies and optimize daily workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide hands-on support for research activities to ensure academic and operational objectives are met.
• Oversee on-site housing facilities.
• Ensure compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols.
• Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support safety and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with the Dairy Education Coordinator to integrate agritourism activities with core dairy operations.
• Oversee farm operation budgets, including feed, supply, and labor costs, and assist with research budget planning and adjustments.
• Improve operational efficiency by increasing milk revenue and reducing production expenses through cost-saving strategies.
• Monitor commodity prices and assess industry trends to identify opportunities for savings.
• Use university HR and accounting systems to maintain fiscal and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with the Department of Poultry Science Feed Mill to source feed stock at competitive prices
• Oversee all farm personnel (SHRA, student, temporary, and volunteer), including recruitment, selection, training, performance evaluations, and personnel actions.
• Develop work plans and deliver comprehensive on-the-job training programs in coordination with the DES Director.
• Ensure compliance with operational protocols, safety regulations, and research guidelines.
• Communicate procedures, protocols, and training materials clearly through strong written and verbal communication.
• Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment through effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Oversee laboratory resources, including budgets, personnel, and facilities, and establish priorities to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Enforce quality assurance standards, recommend procedural improvements, and ensure adherence to work protocols.
• Coordinate herd health and veterinary care, including training staff on safety procedures and conducting regular inspections to mitigate risks.
• Oversee research and teaching activities, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and regulatory bodies (FDA, NCDA, IACUC, University EHS).

Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and two years of general research experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science or Animal Science
• Dairy farm or commercial-scale agricultural operation management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-years dairy farm or commercial scale agricultural operation management experience

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• Valid NC Drivers License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start date.

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No