The Assistant Herd Caretaker supports field operations of the Research Center with a focus on livestock care, farm labor, equipment/machinery operation, and raising crops. This position also supports staff and faculty with the upkeep of Research Center grounds, equipment, and facilities. This position also supports outreach and educational activities including classes and events.

• Primary responsibilities include putting out feed and mineral, maintaining water boxes, assist with animal delivery, cleaning animal enclosures, and milking animals.
• Assists facility leadership and researchers with harvesting grains, grass, and other forage species. Operates specialized pieces of research equipment such as a haying equipment, planters, fertilization implements, and others
• Operates various pieces of agricultural equipment including, but not limited to: tractors, skid steer loaders, tillage implements, planters, sprayers, hay equipment, rotary mower, lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc.
• Maintains records associated with animal care and regulations
• Assists in day-to-day activities for the maintenance of grounds and infrastructure of the Research Center
• Acts as support staff for mowing, spraying, irrigation, fertilization, and upkeep of landscaped areas and areas around/within research plots
• Assists maintenance staff with carpentry work, painting, road grading, equipment maintenance and other general grounds keeping tasks
• Other duties as assigned by the Facility Manager or Director

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to work with large farm animals/livestock.
  • Ability to assist in gathering samples and minor medical procedures.
  • Ability to work in adverse outdoor conditions for long periods of time
  • Ability to follow instructions and work both independently as well as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Vocational or Technical Training in Agriculture
• Experience: Relevant experience of 2 years or more
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of livestock and agricultural operations.
  • Safe heavy equipment operation skills including tractors, backhoes, and skid steers
  • Experience with power tools

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN - Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR04
• Anticipated hiring range: $18 - $24
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before 02/21/2025

• Resume
• Minimum of 3 references

About The College/Department/Division

One of ten AgResearch and Education Centers located throughout Tennessee, the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center serves as a field laboratory providing experimental plots, lands, livestock, orchards, equipment, and other types of support for research programs developed by AgResearch scientists. The Center was established on land purchased by the university in 1869. Since that time, six units have been added, increasing the Center’s land to 1,968 acres.