MGR, Operations

Job no: 541234
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture Operations
Department:60090000 - AG-ANIMAL SCIENCES

Classification Title:
Manager, Operations

Classification Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Description:
The Department of Animal Sciences is seeking a Manager, Operations. This position is responsible for managing and overseeing the implementation of research and teaching activities within the Dairy, Small Ruminant, and Swine Programs in the Department of Animal Sciences. The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day operations for research and teaching units, ensuring high-quality support for research trials, resource allocation, teaching experiences and overall facility management. This role plays a critical leadership function in supporting and enhancing research capabilities, teaching and extension activities and supporting the operational strategy, budget management, staff oversight, and the safety of animals and personnel. The Manager, Operations is expected to help maintain direct operational and budgetary oversight for the Dairy, Small Ruminant, and Swine Programs. The incumbent will serve as part of the departmental management team with a commitment to operating with a sense of community within the department. This position will function in a capacity of co-leadership with another Manager, Operations to ensure unit operations, programs and activities comply with university, state and federal regulations.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Managing Facility Operations

The Manager is accountable for comprehensive management of Dairy, Small Ruminant, and Swine facilities. This includes:
• Strategic Support: Participate in the planning and execution of facility and equipment management strategies to support current and future research and teaching demands. Coordinate closely with the Farm Managers and technical staff to anticipate needs for specialized equipment, supplies, and facility enhancements necessary for advanced research.
- Budget Oversight: Responsible for budget oversight of the Dairy, Small Ruminant, and Swine programs. Assists in annual planning of the respective programs with a particular focus on capturing efficiency within the programs and across department programs. Budget oversight will include all vendor relationships for appropriate animal feed, materials and supplies used in the programs. Budgetary Management will include helping with but not limited to: Financial Planning and Reporting, Strategic Purchasing and Inventory Control and expenditure approvals.
- This position will work closely with the Manager, Administrative Services, to create and establish annual budgets, spending plans, staffing allocations and all human resources activities.
- Will operate a state vehicle daily to drive between the main department and units to perform daily responsibilities.

Supervision and Management of Unit Personnel

Primary responsibility for managing and guiding staff at the Dairy Research Unit, Small Ruminant Unit and Swine Unit.
• Supervision, training, recruitment and evaluation of farm staff, students and volunteers to effectively manage and accomplish the goals of the program. Periodic review of unit staffing plans to ensure staff are being cultivated to achieve their career goals. Periodic review of position descriptions for accuracy and updating as needed. Providing support for HR issues and creating models for effective staffing at all units to include TEAMS, STAS and OPS. Provide input on the recruitment and onboarding of new staff, both TEAMS and OPS.

- Plans and coordinates the utilization of animal subjects and resources for research, teaching and extension functions. Oversees the forage production crops at the Dairy Research Unit to effectively provide adequate forage supply for animal feed. Focus on agronomic activities at the Dairy Research Unit. Collaborates with Small Ruminant and Swine Program Managers and faculty to establish flock/herd size, breeding and management of the program animals. Collaborates with faculty and industry to support existing programs and implement new programs. Ensures that animals will be strategically located to match available resources with the research, teaching and extension needs of the department.

- Facilitate extension activities that showcase UF research, programs and projects. Required to drive to extension activities. Serve as a liaison between industry stakeholders and the Department of Animal Sciences. Conducts due diligence, evaluating potential partners and develops and delivers presentations highlighting the value of alliances and partnerships to all involved parties. Ensure compliance for mission activities for both human and animal visitors to provide safety and adherence to all State, University and Federal guidelines.

- Oversight of Facility Management as it relates to routine maintenance, upgrades and repairs. To include rental activities at the Dairy Research Unit. Maintaining Standard Operating Procedures for Animal Use. Will function as liaison for IACUC and EH&S activities at the Dairy Research Unit, Small Ruminant and Swine units. Ensure that projects and budgets set forth by the Department Chair remain within set budgetary limits. Other duties as assigned.

The normal work schedule will be M-F 40 hours per week, but will require a flexible work week as position will often require work weeks exceeding 40 hours. Position will work occasional weekends and evenings. Travel may be required.

Expected Salary:
$87,000 - $95,000 annually; commensurate with education & experience

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred:
• Master's Degree in Animal Sciences
• Two years' experience in a livestock research environment
• Effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Be self-directed and able to work effectively in a team environment with little direct supervision
• Knowledge of the correct procedures and techniques in farm equipment operations
• Demonstrated strength in organization and efficiency meeting deadlines
• Knowledge of livestock management, livestock behavior, livestock nutrition and general animal husbandry
• Have the ability to determine priorities, assign work and ensure completion
Strong knowledge of agronomic crop production in Florida climates as it pertains to forages

Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

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

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Advertised: 04 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 18 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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