Technical Assistant III (Cattle Barn Manager)

Job no : 528187

Work type : Staff Full Time

Location : UMass Amherst

Department : Center for Agriculture

Union : USA / MTA

Categories : Technical, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The position participates in the daily operations of the Agronomy Farm in cooperation with the Farm Superintendent and Cattle Management Faculty, including oversight in the care and feeding of beef cattle and maintenance of the cattle facility and grounds. Oversees all cattle, cattle barn employees, and maintains all cattle records. Serves as support staff for the teaching, research, and outreach programs of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (VASCI).

Essential Functions

Animal Care :

• Supervises and participates in the management and daily care of the cattle herd, including : watering and feeding, cleaning and re-bedding pens, and maintaining cattle records.
• Develops and implements feeding plans (hay and grain) and rotational grazing plans in partnership with cattle management faculty.
• Conducts daily health checks and exercises sound judgment in contacting a veterinarian for evaluation / treatment as needed.
• Oversees safe cattle handling (calves through bulls) to protect animals, students, and staff.
• Assists with cattle medical and health maintenance programs, including both routine and emergency situations (such as calf delivery, hoof trimming, castration, and veterinary visits); and documents all care provided as required by teaching and research faculty, UMass Animal Care, and government authorities.
• Participates in herd reproductive management (including estrus detection, artificial insemination, bull management, and calving watch / calf care) in partnership with cattle management faculty.

Facilities Maintenance :

Agronomic Crop Production :

In collaboration with the Farm Superintendent :

Administrative :

Other Function :

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

The ability to :

Additional Details

Qualifications Acquired on the Job

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7AM – 3PM.

Salary Information

USA / MTA Non-Exempt, Grade 15.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here ( https : / / www.umass.edu / strategicplan / strategic-plan ).

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised : Sep 8 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close : Dec 8 2025 Eastern Standard Time

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