OPS Agricultural Assistant

Job no: 541773
Work type: Temp Full-Time
Location: Alachua
Categories: Agriculture Operations
**Department:**60092000 - AG-DAIRY RESEARCH UNIT

Classification Title:

OPS

Classification Minimum Requirements:

None

Job Description:

The Department of Animal Sciences Dairy Research Unit is seeking an OPS Agricultural Assistant. This position is involved in various aspects of the dairy operations but will primarily focus on assisting with milking, cleaning, livestock handling and health and reproductive observations of animals at the facility. This position will cover the night shift milking at the dairy which begins at 5:00 pm and ends at 1:30 AM with a 00:30 h shift interval. The position may at times require flexible hours. The individual must have the capacity to assist all employees in a consistent professional manner.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

MILKING OPERATIONS

• Bring cows from pen to milking parlor according to farm procedure.
• Check pens and start the milking system, milk cooling, refrigeration, washing and feed system. Attached machines after appropriate udder hygiene.
• Remove cups from cows following the standard operating procedures (SOP). Prepare and apply teat disinfectant for use according to SOP. Oversee the movement of cows from the dairy.
• Identify cows with clinical mastitis, teat damage, lameness, and other illnesses. Follow protocols for the treatment and recording of the condition.
• At the completion of milking, follow the procedures for plant cleaning and the shutdown process. Prepare the dairy in readiness for the next milking according to the set guidelines.
• Identify and correct problems in the machine function and operation as they arise. Identify and correct unsafe and unacceptable milking practices.

DAIRY OPERATIONS

Assures cows have adequate clean drinking water and feed available. Assures clean stalls with adequate bedding. Cleans barns and flush lanes assigned by farm supervisor. Assists with maintaining grounds, equipment and facilities.

REPLACEMENTS

Assist with care for newborn calves, including occasional feeding of calves, providing clean bedding, clean water, and supportive care.

Normal Work Schedule:

Tuesday through Saturday 5:00PM-1:30AM

Expected Salary:

$17 - $19 per hour

Required Qualifications:

None

Preferred:

Demonstrated effective communication and collaborations skills.
Strong work ethic.
Dairy animal care experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position.

Health Assessment Required:

Yes

Advertised: 21 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time