Davis Dairy Plant Manager

South Dakota State University's Dairy and Food Science Department is hiring a manager for the Davis Dairy Plant in Brookings. The plant is a teaching, research, and production facility, and the manager is responsible for safe operations, staff leadership, equipment readiness, purchasing, and financially sustainable production of marketable dairy products. What you will do • Manage all plant operations and supervise dairy-plant employees • Plan production so the facility supports teaching, research, student experience, and product sales • Purchase ingredients, supplies, and operating materials • Coordinate preventive maintenance, equipment repair, and facility needs • Oversee formulation and production work, including ice cream and cheese processes • Maintain regulatory, sanitation, licensing, quality, and workplace-safety requirements • Manage budgets and operational decisions that keep the plant financially viable • Work with faculty, students, staff, and research teams using the facility Qualifications A bachelor's degree in dairy manufacturing, food science, or a related field plus three to five years of related experience is required. Applicants need hands-on dairy-processing experience, particularly ice cream formulation, cheese making, and operation and maintenance of common processing equipment. At least one year of supervisory or team-lead experience is required. The selected manager must qualify for a milk pasteurizer's license within 90 days and hold or obtain a driver's license. This is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible appointment paying $70,000–$85,000. Benefits include health coverage, retirement with 6% matching, paid leave, eleven holidays, reduced tuition, training, and possible relocation support. Apply by August 3, 2026.