Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
November 26, 2025
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
565J-YN_CS_NPS - Farmer 2
Business Title:
Milker - Knott Dairy Center
Employee Type:
Classified
Position Details:
The Opportunity:
As the Milker at the Knott Dairy Center, you will be responsible for milking approximately 150 Holstein cows in a double 5 herringbone parlor once per day. Your duties will include, but are not limited to: performing daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance; cleaning and repairing milking and milk storage equipment; daily cleaning of parlor, holding pen, maternity and hospital areas; organizing and maintaining inventory of parts and materials related to the milking process; training and directing students in the proper operation of the milking facility and animal handling in the parlor; identifying and treating udder health problems; assisting cows in parturition; working with researchers in the gathering of milk samples and experimental data; and other duties as assigned. Please note that this position may require you to alternate shifts every three months.
The day shift works from 6:30 am to 3:30 pm, while the night shift works 9:30 pm to 6:30 am.
Job Duties:
Milking | 50%
Assist cows in milking;
Set up pipeline system to transfer milk to bulk tank storage;
Engage refrigeration unit for product transfer;
Monitor and execute critical product temperature benchmarks;
Identify and isolate clinical mastitis and other health conditions of infected cows, and treat according to protocol.
Work with researchers in the gathering of milk samples and experimental data.
Coordinate animal movement of 150 to 180 individual cows.
Engage milking claws, pulsators, and hosing system within a double 5 herringbone parlor.
Equipment Maintenance | 30%
Perform routine maintenance and repair of technologically advanced computer interfaced milking system;
Identify and troubleshoot failing pulsators, claws, hosing, pipeline, and bulk tank equipment items;
Monitor and execute system function;
Organize and maintain inventory of parts and materials related to the milking process.
Sanitation | 10%
Execute daily sanitation per protocol of parlor, general milk house facilities, holding pens, milking systems, and milk storage tanks.
Training and Research | 5%
Training and direct student help in routine milking assisted duties;
Work in cooperation with researchers in executing and gathering experimental data;
Interact with students in class instruction laboratory settings.
Other | 5%
Operate manure separator as needed;
Operate loader for feeding process and cleaning stall maintenance as needed;
Perform additional duties as required.
Additional Information:
This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.
Monthly Salary:
$3,336 - $4,428 | Range 37 Steps A - M |
Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified Staff and Total Compensation.
Required Qualifications:
Two years of experience in farm work or maintaining livestock; OR equivalent education/experience.
Able and willing to work rotating shifts.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
Four years experience in large animal agriculture (dairy preferred);
Bachelor’s Degree in animal or dairy science;
2 years milking experience;
Knowledge in sanitation of food processing equipment.
Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Animal Sciences
City, State, Zip: Pullman, WA 99164-6310
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application. Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday
application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Time Type:
Full time
Position Term:
12 Month
Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected].
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.
More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/
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