Under general supervision and coordination with the Department Head, the Dairy Herd Operations Manager is responsible for the management and operation of the Cal Poly Dairy.  Cal Poly Dairy management duties include supervision, operational and safety training and periodic evaluation of student employees and other personnel assigned to the operation. This position is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the milking herd, calves, replacement heifers, experimental animals, and any other livestock maintained at the dairy; maintenance of all related facilities; maintain production, registration, financial records and assist with budgetary development. The Dairy Manager is expected to build and maintain strong relationships with state and national dairy and farm bureau associations, government agencies, industry, external advisory groups, and members of the university and local community. This position is instrumental in working with faculty and staff to support and assist with academic teaching needs. The Dairy Manager is expected to work in a coordinated effort with faculty and staff to support the completion of research projects conducted at the Cal Poly Dairy. This position is responsible for operating the dairy in accordance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to milk quality and safety standards.

Key Qualifications

• Experience providing lead work direction and/or training to a variety of personnel. Ability to plan, organize, and schedule work for others.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn and implement California laws and CSU rules governing student and non-student employees.
• Ability to maintain records, budgets, and financial records.
• Ability to analyze situations and apply independent judgement, discretion and initiative to address problems and develop practical, thorough and creative solutions.
• Thorough knowledge of effective personnel management practices and supervisory skills including a demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to perform facility safety inspections and record keeping. Ability to perform quarterly OSHA type inspections and record results.
• Working knowledge of effective livestock management including proven supervisory skills with the ability to plan, implement, and manage multiple projects to meet deadlines; ability to instruct undergraduate and graduate students in various aspects of Dairy Production Operations.
• Ability to model and explain best practices of animal husbandry. 
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science or closely related degree
• At least three years of demonstrated experience managing and/or operating a dairy production facility.  Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.

About Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo

The Animal Sciences Department, serving over 800 students in two majors, provides one of the most comprehensive and nationally ranked undergraduate programs in livestock production and management, and preparation for post-graduate professional careers in science and veterinary medicine in the West. The Department manages herds and flocks of dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, swine, and poultry on 6,000 acres, with the support of allied facilities including a creamery, meat processing and animal nutrition center. The dairy center is focused on providing direct support of the educational program by providing hands-on experiences for students, with the focus on sustainable production and management of dairy animals, applied research, and commercial production of dairy food products. This position plays a major role in supporting the teaching and research portions of the programs and is responsible for the Cal Poly Dairy facilities and operation.

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