Livestock Operations Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of booming agribusiness, the role of a livestock operations manager has become increasingly pivotal.

As the industry continues to evolve and expand, the demand for skilled experts who can oversee, optimize, and ensure the safety of our livestock production is on the rise.

But what does it really entail to be a livestock operations manager?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to grasp the fundamentals of this role,
A recruiter outlining the perfect candidate,
Or merely fascinated by the intricacies of livestock management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re unveiling a customizable livestock operations manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Livestock Operations Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Livestock Operations Managers oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operations and management of a livestock farm.

They are responsible for animal welfare, feeding, and breeding, as well as managing staff and maintaining facilities and equipment.

The main duties and responsibilities of a Livestock Operations Manager include:

Overseeing and coordinating all livestock management activities including feeding, breeding, and health care
Ensuring the welfare and health of the livestock by implementing and monitoring animal healthcare programs
Managing the operations and maintenance of facilities, equipment, and machinery used in livestock production
Supervising, training, and managing farm workers and ensuring they adhere to safety and animal welfare standards
Planning and implementing breeding schedules and coordinating birth and weaning processes
Keeping accurate records of livestock breeding, health, and growth data
Communicating with suppliers, veterinarians, and other external parties as required
Ensuring compliance with governmental regulations and industry standards
Monitoring and managing the farm budget, including operational expenses, salaries, and capital expenditure
Identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing new farming practices and technologies to increase efficiency and productivity

Livestock Operations Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated Livestock Operations Manager to plan, organize, and manage livestock operations.

The Livestock Operations Manager’s responsibilities include developing and implementing livestock management plans, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, monitoring animal health, and managing staff.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with modern livestock management practices and has strong leadership skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Livestock Operations Manager is to ensure the profitability and sustainability of our livestock operations.

Responsibilities

Overseeing daily operations and making adjustments as necessary
Developing and implementing livestock management plans
Ensuring compliance with animal welfare laws and regulations
Monitoring animal health and arranging veterinary care as needed
Managing staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation
Forecasting and managing budget for livestock operations
Implementing biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks
Coordinating with sales team to market livestock products
Keeping up-to-date records of livestock
Ensuring maintenance of livestock facilities and equipment

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Livestock Operations Manager or similar role
Knowledge of modern livestock management practices
Understanding of animal welfare laws and regulations
Ability to manage staff and operations
Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to operate relevant machinery and equipment
BSc degree in Animal Science, Agriculture or relevant field

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Livestock Operations Manager
Work Environment: Predominantly outdoor work, involving physical activity and interaction with livestock. Some office work may be required for planning and administration.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Manager or Director of Farm Operations.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Livestock Operations Manager Do?

Livestock Operations Managers are primarily responsible for the oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of a livestock farm or ranch.

They supervise the care, feeding, and breeding of animals, ensuring that the livestock are healthy and well-maintained.

They are also often responsible for the upkeep of farm facilities and equipment.

The role involves scheduling and supervising farm workers, and coordinating with veterinarians for the treatment and vaccination of livestock.

Livestock Operations Managers also play a key role in the business aspect of farming.

They develop and manage budgets, negotiate contracts for the sale of livestock, and may be involved in marketing and promotion activities.

Additionally, they ensure that their operations comply with government regulations pertaining to animal welfare and environmental standards.

They are often tasked with making decisions about livestock production methods, feed strategies, and livestock marketing.

Ultimately, the Livestock Operations Manager’s goal is to ensure the efficient and profitable operation of the farm or ranch, while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.

Livestock Operations Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Livestock Operations Manager should possess skills and qualifications such as:

Excellent knowledge of different species of livestock, their behaviors, nutritional needs, and illnesses to ensure proper management and welfare of the animals.
Strong managerial skills to supervise employees, scheduling shifts, delegating tasks, and monitoring employee performance.
Exceptional problem-solving skills to quickly identify and address any issues or risks that could impact the health of the livestock or the efficiency of the operations.
Good physical strength and stamina to handle animals, equipment, and various tasks around the farm.
Understanding of animal husbandry, breeding, and genetic principles to make informed decisions about animal care and breeding.
Organizational skills to manage resources, maintain farm records, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.
Interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a team, communicate with suppliers, and liaise with veterinarians and other professionals.
Business acumen to manage budgets, evaluate the profitability of operations, and make decisions that enhance the financial sustainability of the farm.

Livestock Operations Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level Livestock Operations Managers typically have at least 2 to 3 years of experience in agricultural or livestock management.

This experience can be gained through roles such as Livestock Handler, Farm Supervisor, or Veterinary Assistant.

Candidates with Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field are often preferred.

This education often provides practical experience through internships and research projects.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have worked in various roles such as Livestock Supervisor or Ranch Manager, which provide comprehensive knowledge in animal husbandry, feed management, and livestock health.

Those with more than 7 years of experience often have extensive leadership experience, having overseen large livestock operations or multiple facilities.

These individuals are well-versed in strategic planning, team management, and complex decision-making related to livestock operations.

Further, any additional certifications or training in areas like animal welfare, veterinary care, or business management can also be beneficial and may be required for more senior roles.

Livestock Operations Manager Education and Training Requirements

Livestock Operations Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in animal science, agriculture, or a related field.

This coursework often includes animal biology, livestock management, animal nutrition, and farm business management.

In addition to formal education, practical experience is highly valued in this field.

This can be gained through internships, summer jobs, or work on a family farm.

For those seeking to work in large-scale operations or corporate roles, a master’s degree in animal science, agriculture, agribusiness, or agricultural engineering may be beneficial.

There are also several certifications available in livestock and farm management that, while not typically required, may enhance job prospects and demonstrate a commitment to the industry.

Continuing education and staying updated on latest advancements in animal health, nutrition, and technology is essential for success in this role.

Further, in some states, Livestock Operations Managers may need to obtain a license to apply pesticides or administer certain animal medications, requiring additional training and examinations.

Livestock Operations Manager Salary Expectations

A Livestock Operations Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $67,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary widely depending on factors such as the scale of the operation, geographical location, years of experience, and the specific type of livestock being managed.

Livestock Operations Manager Job Description FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of a Livestock Operations Manager?

A Livestock Operations Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the overall management and production of livestock, ensuring that the operations are running smoothly.

This includes planning feeding and breeding programs, maintaining animal health and welfare, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

They also handle budgeting, record-keeping, and inventory control.

What qualifications do you need to be a Livestock Operations Manager?

A degree in agriculture, animal science, or a related field is usually required to become a Livestock Operations Manager.

Practical experience in livestock farming is also crucial, often gained through work experience or internships.

Some employers may also require professional certifications in livestock management.

What should you look for in a Livestock Operations Manager’s resume?

Look for a balance of education and experience.

A degree in a relevant field and a good amount of practical experience in a similar role should be considered positive indicators.

Also, look for skills such as leadership, decision-making, budgeting, and problem-solving.

Familiarity with livestock health management, feed management, and regulatory compliance are also key.

What makes a good Livestock Operations Manager?

A good Livestock Operations Manager should have strong leadership skills and a keen eye for detail.

They should have excellent knowledge of livestock management and animal welfare practices.

They should also be able to make good decisions under pressure, handle budgets effectively, and have excellent problem-solving skills.

Communication and interpersonal skills are also important as they will need to liaise with staff, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

What are the challenges faced by a Livestock Operations Manager?

Livestock Operations Managers can face a variety of challenges, including disease outbreaks among livestock, fluctuations in market prices for livestock and feed, regulatory changes, and dealing with adverse weather conditions.

They also have to manage the high physical demands of the job and the need to be on-call outside of regular hours.

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a taste of what it truly means to be a livestock operations manager.

And guess what?

It’s not just about tending to the animals.

It’s about nurturing life and ensuring productivity, one day at a time.

With our comprehensive livestock operations manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why halt your journey here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every task is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of livestock management. Together.

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Livestock Operations Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

Livestock Operations Manager Duties and Responsibilities