Chessie Creek Farm-University of Illinois Genetic Improvement of Livestock 

Cattle Farm Manager

This position coordinates research activities and directs the daily operational management of the Chessie Creek Farm Facility in Walterboro, South Carolina that contains an ~2,000 head capacity cow-calf facility with a purebred herd of approximately 100 Angus Cows and 500 crossbred Holstein X Bos Indicus cattle. The position provides hands-on unit management and coordination of animal research; the incumbent interacts closely with faculty, staff, students, veterinarians, and project personnel from the collaborating universities and institutions.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. On-site management and supervision of the Chessie Creek Farm Project in Walterboro, SC.
2. Day to day supervision of animal care personnel including 3-5 non-academic staff, and 4 to 8 part-time hourly staff.
• Supervisory duties include: Hire, train, conduct performance evaluations, approve time/leave, recommend salary, and assign/review work.
3. Facilitate and coordinate research and educational needs of faculty, graduate students, project personnel and others.
• Provide consultation on operational aspects of the facility to faculty and staff in order to serve research and educational goals of the farm and project
• Assist faculty with farm laboratory exercises, teaching activities, and on-farm extension activities.
• Provide positive interactions for students, other visitors, and tour groups to the unit
4. Maintain fiscal responsibility at the facility including management of facility expenses, development of budgets and reports, recovery of teaching and research costs, and maintenance of accounting records for budgetary and compliance purposes.
5. Establish written production targets. Develop written “Standard Operating Procedures” and implement these procedures to assure that identified targets and standards are achieved and maintained.
6. Collect research data/information related to operational function of the unit including formulation of recommendations and implementation of improvements and planning to facilitate programmatic goals.
7. Design, develop, implement, integrate, and maintain data collection systems for the unit.
8. Assure quality animal care that is compliant with laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies.
• Interact with the veterinary staff, define/develop appropriate biosecurity practices, good laboratory practices, and operational procedures and policies for the unit.
• Implement approved procedures for the care of animals. Coordinate and participate in informational programs and training sessions for animal care staff, students, staff, and investigators who utilize the facility.
9.  Establish and maintain professional standards for facility appearance. Supervise maintenance of facilities, pastures, and feed plots to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.
10. Work closely with the Project Coordinator and Farm Owner with regard to personnel, budget, facilities, equipment, and other management issues.
11. Interact and communicate regularly with the Project Coordinator and Farm Owner in developing and implementing intermediate and long-range plans for facilities, production goals, SOP’s, management and fiscal responsibility for the Chessie Creek Farm Research Facility.
12. Coordinate and facilitate procurement of commodities and resources necessary for optimal operations and maintenance of Chessie Creek Farm Research Facilities.
13. Maintain on-going training and/or certification in any areas of human resources, environmental management, animal-care, safety, etc. which effect the on-going regulatory requirements of the unit.
14. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, wet and boggy conditions, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may frequently weigh up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally weigh up to seventy-five (75) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. Must have or be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

Proposed Start Date: As soon as possible

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