The Dairy Specialist is responsible for exercising independent judgment in the daily operation of the university dairy. The Specialist makes evidence-based decisions related to livestock care, milking, technology, forage, and student supervision while working under the direction of the Dairy Manager. The role supports teaching, research, and outreach activities of the Agriculture Research and Education Center at WKU.

Duties of the position include:

• Oversee milking parlor operations, including equipment function, milking protocols, cow flow, and milk quality assurance. Make professional decisions related to parlor efficiency, sanitation standards, somatic cell count management, and animal comfort during milking to support optimal production and product quality.

• Exercise judgment in the daily management, health monitoring, nutrition, reproduction, and welfare of the dairy herd. Make timely, evidence-based decisions regarding animal care protocols, treatment recommendations, and production adjustments while operating under the overall direction of the Dairy Manager.

• Provide day-to-day direction, training, and performance feedback to student workers. Exercise discretion in assigning tasks, resolving routine operational issues, and maintaining a safe, educational work environment in coordination with the Dairy Manager.

• Plan and execute forage production, harvest, storage, and quality assessment activities.

• Assist in planning and delivering tours, field days, and educational activities.

Job Requirements:

• BSc in agriculture or related field
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Valid driver's license

Additional Information:

Salary:  $40,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at 270-745-5121 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 and/or WKU's Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, No. 0.2070, please complete the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form. Additional information regarding Title IX, including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options,  is available on WKU's Title IX website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: https://www.wku.edu/academics/

For information related to job postings, application status, or the hiring process, please email employment@wku.edu.