Responsibilities include collecting research samples, assisting with project and facility setup, and training users—including students, interns, and research personnel—in proper procedures and techniques. Under general supervision, provide skilled care for resident animals and ensure the maintenance of the facility's sanitation systems, environmental controls, and animal care equipment and supplies. Manage the farm's diversified livestock operations and land.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research Assistance and Record-Keeping:
• Monitor research and teaching animals regularly to detect changes in eating, drinking or behavioral habits that may indicate illness or other concerns.
• Conduct animal identification for permanent teaching animals, leased animals, and the resident herd.
• Collect specimens from resident herd for diagnostic or environmental testing.
• Record data on animal health, breeding information, and facility operations for all animals housed on the farm, including but not limited to swine, sheep, cows and horses.
• Assist with project and facility setup, and training users—including students, interns, and research personnel
• Perform advanced technical procedures and operations, if needed.
Farm operation
• Supervise full-time farm employees, delegating responsibilities and overseeing performance evaluations and time sheet approvals.
• Supervise training, scheduling and assigning/prioritizing work to subordinate staff.
• Train student workers and extra help workers. Hire all students and extra help at the VMRF as needed and determine their work schedules.
• Oversee daily inspections of agricultural animals, facilities, equipment, and supplies. Assists with performance evaluations for lower-level staff as needed.
• Make purchasing decisions within established budget limits.
• Collaborate with investigators to meet current and future animal needs, considering project-specific requirements such as health status, growth stages, and antibiotic-free protocols, etc.
• Maintain and enforce practices and procedures that ensure compliance with USDA and AAALAC regulations.
• Review research protocols submitted for studies conducted at the VMRF and assure procedures are performed appropriately under each protocol.
• Maintain records for research animals.
Standard Care:
• Coordinate the purchase, transportation, and sale of animals used for instructional purposes at the VMRF.
• Perform advanced animal care procedures requiring specialized treatments and skilled handling.
• Administer medications and treatments as needed.
• Prepare feed and special diets for the resident herds.
• Assist with performing euthanasia using captive bolt or CO₂ methods when necessary.
• Assist with herd management and pasture operations.
Other:
• Operate and maintain sanitation systems, environment controls, farm equipment, and specialized animal care equipment. Perform routine maintenance and repairs on equipment and buildings.
• Maintain records and inventory of feed and care supplies. Anticipate future supply needs and places orders for feed, hay, and bedding used at the VMRF.
• Develop, with the faculty advisor, standard operating procedures and facilitate medium and long-range planning for operations and facilities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Additional Physical Demands

Ability to work under unpleasant environment conditions, such as dust, high humidity, extreme cold, odors, excreta, noise and debris. The position involves withstanding sustained periods of physical activity (such as standing, bending, or stooping) and involves moving and lifting items upwards of 50 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

M.S in Veterinary Science or a related field. At least 3 years of experience working with farm research animals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of basic biology (anatomy, physiology, and zoonotic and infectious diseases) and care of farm animals.
Knowledge of acceptable methods for safe handling, identifying, and medicating farm animals.
Knowledge and experience with computers.
Ability to provide care for animals, including common and specialized.
Ability to recognize normal/abnormal appearance and habits of animals.
Ability to handle large animals safely.
Ability to apply sanitation practices, including quarantine requirements, used in animal care facilities.
Ability to use simple hand tools to maintain adjust and service animal care equipment.
Experience with operating farm equipment and livestock transportation vehicles.
Ability to keep animal care records accurately.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $65,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 10, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Gireesh Rajashekara (gireesh2@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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, 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. 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: 1032486
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Apply now

See more open positions at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Privacy policy Cookie policy