Research Specialist in Agriculture, Poultry Research Farm
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
Application
Details
Posted: 26-May-23
Location: Urbana, Illinois
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 4217770
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Department of Animal Sciences
Research Specialist in Agriculture - Poultry Research Farm
WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story.
The University of Illinois is seeking a qualified individual to manage the daily operations at the Poultry Research Farm Urbana, IL and to coordinate research, teaching, and outreach activities at the site. The position directs unit staff including full-time assistant research specialists and undergraduate students; and interacts closely with faculty, staff, students, administrators, other research unit supervisors, veterinarians, and compliance personnel.
SHORT DESCRIPTION SUMMARIZING POSITION:
Full-time 100%, position will manage operations, work closely with faculty conducting hands-on research, coordinating teaching, and upholding regulatory compliance at the Poultry Research Farm in Urbana, IL.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Operation and Maintenance
1. Lead operations at the Poultry Research Farm including animal care, inventory management, manure management, facility maintenance, and equipment maintenance
a. Ensure proper diet preparation and feeding amounts throughout the unit.
b. Work with veterinary professionals in setting up a flock health plan.
c. Enforce and maintain the flock health plan.
d. Provide proper treatment and care to animals at the unit.
e. Maintain a proper inventory of animals at the unit and be able to provide this information to business and animal care professionals
f. Oversee the application of manure to university owned farm ground.
g. Ensure that application is done within the standards and maintain compliance of such applications.
h. Submit work orders to university facilities group and ensure this work is completed within the timeframe needed.
i. Coordinate work with outside contractors to complete facility maintenance.
j. Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.
k. Make sure that all equipment at the unit is in safe and proper working condition. Make or arrange the proper repairs when needed.
2. Coordinate and facilitate procurement of commodities and resources necessary for optimal operations and maintenance of the unit.
3. Provide day-to-day supervision of personnel of academic and non-academic staff working in the facility.
4. Establish written and well developed 'Standard Operating Procedures', and enforce them
Regulatory and Financial Oversight
1. Maintain fiscal responsibility of the Poultry Farm accounts.
a. Monitor transactions on both accounts and ensure that these transactions are accurate.
b. Input P-card transactions in Chrome River and upload proper documentation.
c. Hire and supervise needed staff to maintain operations and optimize staff costs.
2. Promote and maintain a work environment with the highest standards of worker safety
a. Attend departmental operational, safety, and development meetings.
b. Establish and maintain professional and safe standards for facility appearance.
c. Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.
d. Provide training on and reinforcement of safe working standards including lock-out, tag-out, use of PPE, and electrical and chemical safety
3. Ensure regulatory compliance with university, state, and federal agencies.
a. Establish written research targets, develop 'Standard Operating Procedures', and enforce consistent research methodology associated with the unit.
Research, Teaching, and Outreach Leadership and Support
1. Coordinate facility use and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduate students, and others at the Poultry Research Farm.
a. Coordinate teaching laboratory sections at the unit.
b. Oversee the procurement of animals and production of needed products for educational needs
2. Establish and reinforce consistent practices to produce high-quality research results
a. Provide ongoing training of research personnel in poultry production practices including animal handling, proper treatment techniques, illness/injury detection and euthanasia.
3. Lead tours of the facility for internal and external groups.
4. Collect, analyze, evaluate, and summarize empirical data including formulation of recommendations and implementation of improvements and planning to facilitate programmatic goals.
5. Design, develop, implement, integrate, and maintain research data collection systems for the unit.
6. Interact with state and national stakeholders to promote the University of Illinois and extend our land-grant mission by providing expertise for stakeholder issues
Other duties as assigned to support the unit and department.
Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may frequently weigh up to seventy-five (75) pounds and occasionally weigh up to one hundred and fifty (150) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the Department of Animal Sciences by contacting jfmosley@illinois.edu.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Required: B.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
Preferred: M.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
Experience
Required: hands-on experience managing or working on an animal operation. Computer experience in record keeping and must be able to interpret and implement research protocols. Supervisory experience.
Preferred: Experience with poultry management and handling techniques. Certification in Illinois pesticide operator and Illinois-certified livestock manager.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Required: Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously. The successful candidate must be capable of working compatibly with other employees and staff. Successful applicants must also be able to communicate well, both in written and oral formats, with faculty, administrators, inspectors, veterinarians, students, staff, and visitors. Ability and proficiency in humane euthanasia of poultry. Ability to work weekends regularly.
Preferred: Understanding of research design and data collection standards. Familiarity with layer hens and breeding flocks.
SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time, 100% professional appointment. Immigration sponsorship is not available.
PROPOSED STARTING DATE: Approximately three months after close date
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=4217770&targetURL=.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Required: B.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
Preferred: M.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
Experience
Required: hands-on experience managing or working on an animal operation. Computer experience in record keeping and must be able to interpret and implement research protocols. Supervisory experience.
Preferred: Experience with poultry management and handling techniques. Certification in Illinois pesticide operator and Illinois-certified livestock manager.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Required: Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously. The successful candidate must be capable of working compatibly with other employees and staff. Successful applicants must also be able to communicate well, both in written and oral formats, with faculty, administrators, inspectors, veterinarians, students, staff, and visitors. Ability and proficiency in humane euthanasia of poultry. Ability to work weekends regularly.
Preferred: Understanding of research design and data collection standards. Familiarity with layer hens and breeding flocks.
SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time, 100% professional appointment. Immigration sponsorship is not available.
PROPOSED STARTING DATE: Approximately three months after close date
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references. Applications should be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on June 19, 2023. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for your application to be considered. For further information please contact Jonathon Mosley, Department of Animal Sciences, jfmosley@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=4217770&targetURL= . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1017593 Job Category: Research Apply at: https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=4217770&targetURL=.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. With our land-grant heritage as our foundation, we pioneer innovative research that tackles global problems and expands the human experience. Our transformative learning experiences, in and out of the classroom, are designed to produce innovative alumni who desire to make a significant, societal impact.