About the role
Position Function
To provide technical support for the calf operation of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Bearden Dairy Research Center (Bearden Center). The Bearden Center is a 350-animal dairy consisting of a modern double eight parallel milking parlor, modern working facilities for the care of the replacement heifers, and approximately 1,200 acres of pasture and crop land.
Salary Grade: 11
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile
The Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 625 undergraduate students, 40 graduate students, and 26 faculty, both on the main campus and at Research and Extension Centers throughout Mississippi. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Pre-Vet/Science, Pre-Vet Med Tech, Production Management, Business and Industry and newly approved Food Science. Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Animal and Dairy Sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200 acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and 1,200 acre Bearden Research Dairy. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state of the art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses and process into wholesale and retail cuts. The new Animal and Dairy Sciences building opened in 2019. This 38,000 square foot facility houses three teaching areas including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms as well as research laboratories and animal rooms for teaching and research needs. The South Farm is home to our new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory. Our research and teaching herds include dairy, beef, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and swine on the Mississippi State University main campus.
Area of Specialization
Dairy Unit
Anticipated Appointment Date
November 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage daily calf operations.
- Feed calves: administer milk, grain, and fresh water.
- Sanitize hutches, pens, water troughs, and feeding tools.
- Manage weaning process and growth milestones.
- Bag, load, and feed pastures for yearling heifers.
- Observe calves for health problems.
- Process newborn calves: administer colostrum, tag, and tattoo calves.
- Give vaccinations and medications while keeping records of all treatments.
- Schedule and assist with castrations, dehornings, vaccinations with the MSU Vet School.
- Coordinate specialized feeding for weak, premature, or high-risk calves.
- Maintain bedding and bedding replacement schedules.
- Maintain calf facilities.
- Assist with research activities.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Shifts will vary. The successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as needed, and the job requires flexible scheduling.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED
Experience: One (1) year experience in animal care.
Licensure: Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Dairy cattle production/milking experience, and farm equipment operational experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of dairy cows.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to work flexible schedules.
Good communication skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Frequent heavy or intense physical requirements, combined with exposure to several disagreeable elements, such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals. Job frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing, or balancing, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Job occasionally requires sitting, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting more than 100 pounds.
Instructions for Applying
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position. Attach to the online application college transcripts, resume, and cover letter. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. Three names of reference along with contact information should be submitted with the application. Any questions should be directed to Ginger Cavinder, PO Box 9815, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662)325-2803, or glc140@msstate.edu.
Screening Date
October 29, 2026, until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.