Research Specialist II (Goat Specialist)

Agency

Department

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The Research Specialist II (Goat Specialist) is responsible for the daily care, health monitoring, and productivity assessment of approximately 450 goats at the International Goat Research Center. The herd consists of 80% meat goats (Spanish and Boer breeds) and 20% dairy goats (Alpine breed). This position plays a critical role in maintaining herd health, supporting research initiatives, and ensuring optimal animal welfare and productivity.
 

This position is funded by restricted funds or a grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of restricted or grant funds.

Responsibilities: 

• Conducts daily herd inspections, health monitoring, treatment administration, and maintaining animal health records for approximately 450 goats requires substantial ongoing attention.
• Performs daily feeding operations, feed monitoring, pasture rotation assistance, and water management are critical recurring responsibilities.
• Provides breeding assistance, estrus monitoring, kidding support, and breeding documentation require seasonal but specialized oversight.
• Support Alpine dairy herd operations. through dairy goat support, milking assistance, and sanitation responsibilities.
• Maintains barns, fencing, shelters, feeding equipment, and general livestock facility upkeep is essential for operational continuity and animal welfare.
• Documents herd productivity, health treatments, assessments, and reporting supports both operational management and research initiatives. Participates in college-wide events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's Degree
• Six years of related experience.
   

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seven years of experience in herd management, including health monitoring, breeding, and recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of goat breeds, behavior, and basic veterinary practices.
• Ability to identify signs of illness, aging, and reproductive inefficiency.
• Strong organizational and observational skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with both meat and dairy goat operations.
• Familiarity with livestock management software or recordkeeping systems.
• Basic understanding of animal science or agricultural research.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.
• Holiday work may be required depending on herd needs.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.