Research Operations Manager IIInsideHigherEd • Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Research Operations Manager II

InsideHigherEd • Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

30+ days ago

Job type

Full-time

Part-time

Job description

Posting Number : PG194204EP

Internal Recruitment :

Working Title :

Research Operations Manager II

Anticipated Hiring Range :

Commensurate with Experience ($70,870-$80,000)

Work Schedule : Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Job Location : Raleigh, NC

About the Department :

The Dairy Enterprise System (DES) is a commodity-based operational unit within the Dept of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) consisting of the Lake Wheeler Dairy Farm, the Feldmeier Dairy Processing Lab, Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum, and the Dairy Education Center located at the entrance of the Dairy Farm. The individual units participate in Teaching, Research, and Extension of dairy sciences and technology, encompassing the production farm and dairy processing facility. Outreach to the general public is accomplished through the Dairy Education Center, where all components of dairy are highlighted as an educational tool for university students and all aspects of the general population.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits :

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer :

Medical , Dental , and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer : Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties :

The Dairy Farm Operations Manager has the overall responsibility of managing and supervising all aspects of the 300 acre Lake Wheeler dairy farm complex including, but not limited to, the operations of milking, feeding, pasture management, facility and equipment maintenance and upkeep, regulatory compliance, personnel / HR duties, budgeting, purchasing and forecasting, teaching of laboratories, oversight of research trials, oversight of farm-based housing, wastewater management, student club support and the coordination of professional interfaces including veterinarians, animal and crop faculty, dairy industry representatives, suppliers and other agricultural colleagues.

The Operations Manager operates in a co-supervisory manner with the farm herdsman but supports that position’s independence due to separation of duties and empowers the Herdsman with significant authority of decision-making as related to animal treatment and care.

Duties include, but are not limited to :

Oversee and manage the daily operations of a teaching and research dairy farm.

Align farm operations with industry best practices and the academic mission of NC State University.

Apply in-depth knowledge of dairy science and production to ensure the facility functions as a premier real-world laboratory supporting research, teaching, and outreach.

Exemplify modern agricultural practices appropriate for research and educational use.

Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements set by the FDA, USDA, and NCDA.

Maintain Grade A Milk certification in accordance with FDA guidelines and ensure the farm remains inspection-ready at all times.

Ensure compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, including during routine inspections.

Coordinate closely with faculty, staff, and students to integrate academic and research activities into farm operations, ensuring that the facility supports and enhances the university’s mission

Uphold high standards of animal welfare, operational efficiency, and biosecurity across all aspects of the dairy operation.

Serve as a key liaison between the Department of Animal Science (ANS), the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), and other university departments to ensure alignment of research and teaching initiatives with available farm resources.

Assess labor needs, animal feed inputs, and milk production levels to support academic projects while maintaining quality control, comprehensive data collection, and the herd’s commercial viability.

Manage research, teaching, and industry collaborations and strategically allocate personnel, funding, and supplies to meet milk production DES requirements and academic goals.

Evaluate and approve research project proposals, contributing to the development of long-term operational strategies and optimize daily workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Provide hands-on support for research activities to ensure academic and operational objectives are met.

Oversee on-site housing facilities.

Ensure compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols.

Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support safety and quality assurance.

Collaborate with the Dairy Education Coordinator to integrate agritourism activities with core dairy operations.

Oversee farm operation budgets, including feed, supply, and labor costs, and assist with research budget planning and adjustments.

Improve operational efficiency by increasing milk revenue and reducing production expenses through cost-saving strategies.

Monitor commodity prices and assess industry trends to identify opportunities for savings.

Use university HR and accounting systems to maintain fiscal and regulatory compliance.

Collaborate with the Department of Poultry Science Feed Mill to source feed stock at competitive prices

Oversee all farm personnel (SHRA, student, temporary, and volunteer), including recruitment, selection, training, performance evaluations, and personnel actions.

Develop work plans and deliver comprehensive on-the-job training programs in coordination with the DES Director.

Ensure compliance with operational protocols, safety regulations, and research guidelines.

Communicate procedures, protocols, and training materials clearly through strong written and verbal communication.

Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment through effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

Oversee laboratory resources, including budgets, personnel, and facilities, and establish priorities to ensure efficiency and safety.

Enforce quality assurance standards, recommend procedural improvements, and ensure adherence to work protocols.

Coordinate herd health and veterinary care, including training staff on safety procedures and conducting regular inspections to mitigate risks.

Oversee research and teaching activities, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and regulatory bodies (FDA, NCDA, IACUC, University EHS).

Minimum Education and Experience :

Bachelor’s degree and two years of general research experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Other Required Qualifications :

Dairy farm or commercial-scale agricultural operation management experience

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science or Animal Science

5-years dairy farm or commercial scale agricultural operation management experience

Required License(s) or Certification(s) :

Valid NC Drivers License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start date.

Valid NC Driver's License required :

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required :

Job Open Date : 08 / 13 / 2025

Anticipated Close Date :

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Please attach a Cover Letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Number : 00041736

Position Type : EPS / SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours / week) :

1.0

Appointment : 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather :

Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events :

Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID :

111102 - Dairy And Process Applications

EEO :

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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