Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

Business Title:

Employee Type:

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

As the Milker for Knott Dairy Center, you will be responsible for the daily milking of approximately 150 to 180 Holstein cows using a double-six herringbone parlor. In this role, you will perform a variety of operational, maintenance, and animal care duties, including routine daily, weekly, and monthly equipment maintenance; cleaning and maintaining milking and milk storage equipment; and ensuring the cleanliness of the milking parlor, holding pen, and hospital areas.

You will manage inventory of parts and supplies related to the milking operation and train and supervise students in proper milking procedures and safe animal handling practices. You will also monitor herd health, identify and treat udder health issues, assist with calving (parturition), and collaborate with research staff to collect milk samples and experimental data.

Success in this position requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team while supporting a variety of farm operations as needed.

The two full-time Milker positions rotate between day and night shifts every three months, or as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Schedule:
Day Shift: 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM (1/2-hour unpaid meal break)
Night Shift: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM (1/2-hour unpaid meal break)

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions:

• 50% Milking & Cow Operations;

• 30% Equipment Maintenance;

• 10% Sanitation;

• 5% Training and Research;

• 5% Other.

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary:

$3,403 - $4,517 | 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.

• Ability to work rotating day/night shifts every 3 months or as assigned by supervisor.

• 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. 

• Ability to work flexible and extended hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in dairy or large animal agriculture.

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal or Dairy Science.

• Prior milking experience.

• Knowledge of sanitation in food processing environments.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

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:

Position Term:

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/