Director of Livestock Operations
Oregon State University
Operations
USD 66,316-91,139 / year
Posted on Apr 1, 2026
Position Information
| Department | Animal & Rnglnd Sciences (ASC) |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Manager 1-Faclt/Ops Dept |
| Job Title | Director of Livestock Operations |
| Appointment Type | Professional Faculty |
| Job Location | Corvallis |
| Benefits Eligible | Full-Time, benefits eligible |
| Remote or Hybrid option? | |
| Job Summary | The Animal & Rangeland Sciences is seeking a Director of Livestock Operations. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. The research and teaching farms of Animal and Rangeland Sciences exist to serve the needs of teaching, research, and extension related activities of OSU faculty, staff, and students. Its mission is to be a resource base for the State of Oregon that is a model for environmentally and economically sustainable animal agriculture production and natural resource utilization. This position provides professional management to multiple animal operations which involve research/teaching farms, facilities, and equipment. Units include Dairy Center, Sheep Center, Poultry Center, Horse Center, Beef Ranches, Meat Lab, and Farm Services. Management includes supervisory authority and coordination of classified farm unit managers, oversight for day-to-day operation of the units, budget management, priorities for maintenance and repair, equipment needs, and coordination of feed procurement. Occasionally, this person will have to assist or cover for farm unit managers in emergency situations, which requires the ability to operate large farm equipment and utilize low-stress animal handling. The person in this position will interact with department administration, faculty researchers and instructors, extension personnel, classified support personnel, students, and local interest and stakeholder groups. |
| Why OSU? | Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all. FACTS: • Top 1.4% university in the world • More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined • 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S. • 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties • 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone • 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates • 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color • 217k+ alumni worldwide • For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances. Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. • Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. • Retirement savings paid by the university. • A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. • Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. • Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life. Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive. 2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation! Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU. |
| Key Responsibilities | 35% Supervision Supervise farm unit managers and staff (up to 7.0 FTE) and student employees to include planning, assigning, and approving work, disciplining, and rewarding, responding to grievances, hiring, and firing, and preparing and signing performance evaluations. Oversight and coordination responsibility for 7 individual farm units. Direct and coordinate assigned labor force to include training and developing of work schedules, supervise and participate in the maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment and unit housing. Coordinates with faculty and farm unit managers to provide student labor for care of animals used in research, teaching, and extension. Review and approve leave requests and attendance records for assigned staff. Train classified employees and students that this position supervises, including safety training and documentation relating to animals, equipment, and general safety. Provide training for future Farm Unit Managers. Serves as the backup for all Farm Unit Managers. 35% Farm, Land, and Livestock Management Determine the need for feeds, livestock supplies, livestock equipment, farm machinery and repairs and maintenance of equipment and general farm maintenance. Evaluate machinery and equipment needs for replacement and repair. Oversee and ensure regular maintenance and repair of buildings, fences, and equipment; participate as needed. Manage 4 to 5 departmental dwelling units. Schedule work as needed with unit personnel and/or with outside contractors/vendors if needed. Coordinate and provide assistance if needed with farm units on hay/corn silage harvest, grazing management, including clipping, irrigation, replanting and assisting as needed with actual harvest. In addition, provide assistance in animal handling, vaccinating, feeding livestock etc. across the livestock farms will be required at times. Operate equipment as needed for above duties. Manage all land assigned to the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences. Keep records of fertilizer and herbicide application on pastures and hay ground. Schedule the application of livestock manure from storage units on the farms. Make decisions on pasture management including seed procurement, pasture improvement, monitor pest infestation, and organize harvesting of forage. Manage the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation program. Management of Farm Services, Hogg Animal Metabolism Building, Oldfield Animal Teaching Facility Arena, facilities, and personnel. 20% Research and Teaching Management Track and respond to faculty teaching and research requests in a priority manner. Instill a culture of the importance of research and teaching in the management of the units. When conflicts arise, this position brings conflicts to the Associate Department Head. Ensure compliance with unit and research compliance protocols, as well as cooperating with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) on inspections and required reporting. Ensure IACUC and department protocols are followed and AAALAC accreditation is maintained; record and maintain research data. Follow unit and research compliance protocol, as well as cooperating with IACUC on inspections and required reporting. As needed, perform routine animal husbandry practices. Serves as an emergency contact in all animal situations. Communicate with research and teaching faculty about changes in farm procedures and animal base. Updates the faculty on farm status and serves as the contact between the faculty and farm units. Coordinates all research, teaching, and extension for facilities this position directly supervises. Coordinates and communicates with other departments, agencies, and the public. 10% Budget Working closely with Associate Department Head on the farm units expense budget (approximately $1,280,000 in Fiscal Year2026) and providing budget use recommendations based on department priorities, unit, and research needs. Responsible for all purchases over $4,999.99 and approve all purchases for facilities this position directly supervises. Responsible for setting and adjusting fees for common use units. Work closely with Associate Department Head, Department Head and Financial Strategic Services to ensure fiscal responsibility is met. |
| What You Will Need | Master’s degree in the area of animal science or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least 5 years’ experience in animal and facility experience. At least 3 years of agricultural and/or agricultural-based research experience. Proficient in the use of networked computers including applications for word processing, Microsoft Excel or comparable software, electronic mail, and scheduling. Ability to make independent decisions and recommendations which align with policies, and act as a resource person. Prior experience working with livestock rations, experience on a modern livestock operation (animal and facility care and maintenance), and knowledge of large animal breeding and herd health practices. Must be able to operate farm equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, front-end loaders, feed wagons. Effective written and verbal communication skills. This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030. |
| What We Would Like You to Have | Experience with harvesting and grazing forages, livestock and/or poultry operations, and waste management. Previous experience supervising and managing people. Previous experience managing animal facilities. |
| Working Conditions / Work Schedule | Employee works with many types of farm equipment, including a front-end loader and mixer wagon, has contact with toxic chemicals, handles small and large farm animals;(including sheep, poultry, swine, horses and cattle). Frequency of these exposures is daily for some and weekly/monthly for others. Works in all types of weather extremes. Works alone for long periods of time. Employee is on their feet much of the time. Occasionally lifts up to 50 pounds. Office/Computer work. Travel may be required. |
| Pay Method | Salary |
| Pay Period | 1st through the last day of the month |
| Pay Date | Last working day of the month |
| Recommended Full-Time Salary Range | $66,316 - $91,139 |
| Link to Position Description |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | P09828UF |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Anticipated Appointment Begin Date | 06/01/2026 |
| Anticipated Appointment End Date | |
| Posting Date | 04/01/2026 |
| Full Consideration Date | |
| Closing Date | 04/30/2026 |
| Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search | Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants |
| Special Instructions to Applicants | When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process. For additional information please contact: Serkan Ates Serkan.ates@oregonstate.edu 541-737-5060 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu. |

