The Dairy Operations Graduate Assistant (DOGA) is a graduate assistantship position available to select workers who demonstrate high levels of dependability, have demonstrated strong leadership skills, and have completed Berry Dairy's work program as undergraduate farm laborers. 

Responsibilities include a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in all areas of dairy operations, such as milking and milk quality, calf systems and care, feeding and farm equipment operation, reproduction and artificial insemination, facility sanitation and maintenance, and genetics. The DOGA is responsible for planning and executing projects, as well as resolving complex problems and conflicts that require analysis of multiple components.

Additionally, the DOGA must demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills and coordinate with the Dairy Operations Manager (DOM) to accomplish higher-level tasks. The DOGA will also lead undergraduate student workers and supervise their shifts by directing their activities to complete assigned tasks.  Duties for this position include but are not limited to, working throughout Berry Dairy's premises and assisting the DOM and other dairy personnel with day-to-day operations.

For Berry's MBA program, graduate assistants receive an hourly wage and tuition remission. The candidate should share our commitment to student engagement both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as our desire to promote opportunities for students from underrepresented groups and to foster a culture of belonging. Berry is committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff; we welcome applications from all groups and strongly encourage women and persons of color to apply for this position.

REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in a related field. Applicants with degrees in other areas will also be considered if they have sufficient professional experience in marketing, communications, and graphic design. Experience in social media marketing, team leadership, and working with college students is preferred, it is not mandatory. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, but please note that applicants must be accepted into Berry's MBA program before a formal job offer can be extended or accepted.

The candidate must possess the following:

• have a valid driver's license and a current tetanus vaccination.
• be an active graduate student in Berry's MBA program.
• have performed effectively as an undergraduate dairy farm laborer for at least three full years.
• have performed effectively as an undergraduate dairy farm laborer for at least two summers.
• have a full understanding of all aspects of Berry Dairy's facility.
• be able to effectively communicate, train, and lead undergraduate student workers from different capacities.
• provide training and supervision to undergraduate student workers, as well as delegate tasks/responsibilities effectively to foster employee development.
• assist the DOM with developing and managing the dairy budget to optimize costs, as well as implementing cost-saving measures to improve profitability.
• assist the DOM in the upper-level responsibilities of maintaining Berry's Jersey herd and Berry Dairy's student work program.
• maintain systemized records, as well as digitize records for efficient analysis and use.
• assist the DOM with developing and creating SOPs and other work-related documents/protocols.
• enjoy being around livestock.
• be capable of assisting/handling on-farm emergencies in a calm, stress-free manner.
• be able to work well with others, as well as conduct chores/tasks independently.
• be self-motivated, task-oriented, observant, and organized.
• have solid critical thinking skills.
• be proficient with Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• be able to track/analyze overall farm performance and identify areas of improvement.
• assist the DOM in working with regulatory compliance groups, such as IACUC, FDA, USDA, and EPA.
• assist the DOM in staying up to date with industry trends and executing best practices.
• be able to maintain an open line of communication with the DOM regarding work needs.
• be able to work consistently in meeting deadlines and performing day-to-day duties without constant instruction.
• be able to work a set amount of holiday days per the DOM throughout the academic year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

ABOUT BERRY COLLEGE

Berry is a selective independent college of 2,200 students located adjacent to Rome, GA, midway between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN. Berry's educational approach deliberately unites challenging academic programs with practical work experience in a residential campus community that encourages faith and emphasizes caring for the needs of others above self. Our mission and values are grounded in the ethic that our founder instilled more than a century ago: "We educate the head, heart, and hands - to inspire leaders of integrity who cultivate thriving communities." Nationally recognized for quality of learning and quality of life, Berry offers first-rate undergraduate degree programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, and human sciences, as well as undergraduate and master's level opportunities in business and teacher education. The College's stunning 27,000-acre campus affords opportunities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Berry's ongoing commitment is to provide exceptional educational experiences to talented students from a wide range of social, racial, and economic backgrounds.

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Berry College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity institution, Berry complies with all applicable laws and provisions prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment policies. Berry respects the essential dignity of all individuals and accordingly hires and promotes employees without regard to matters of personal identity such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Berry College is committed to ensuring facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to everyone, including those seeking employment at Berry College. Inquiries about interviews or workplace accommodations are welcomed. You can reach out to us at employment@berry.edu, or (706) 233-4062.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing the candidate's interest in this position, a resume outlining their work experience, and the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Specific questions about the position may be sent directly to the chair of the search committee, Mr. David Payne at dpayne@berry.edu.