Sheep Unit Manager

Job ID: 2958027

Location: Fargo

Department: AES Main Station Farm

Position Information

Description & Details:

The Department of Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND is seeking a unit manager to oversee the NDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Center. The Sheep Research and Teaching Center is a breeding flock operation that allows NDSU faculty, staff, and students to conduct sheep-related activities to fulfill its land-grant mission of student education, service to the state, and research and creative endeavors. The selected unit manager will be responsible for 1) management of sheep care, 2) maintaining the animal environment, 3) facility repair and maintenance, 4) assisting with teaching, research, extension, and animal unit needs, and 5) overseeing work safety, compliance, and student worker training. This position is considered full-time and requires some weekend hours. Benefits at NDSU include but are not limited to retirement, health plans, vacation time, and sick time. Please direct any questions related to the position to Sarah Underdahl at [email protected] search committee chair.

Hiring Range:
$60,000-$70,000 depending on experience

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:
Associate’s degree in animal science (or a related field) and three years of relevant experience managing sheep; Demonstrated experience working with sheep and operating common farm equipment (e.g. skid steer, tractor, livestock trailer); Previous experience supervising employees; Valid U.S. driver’s license; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in animal science (or related field); A U.S. commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the ability to obtain shortly after hire.

Applicant Materials Required:

Cover letter; Resume; Unofficial transcript; Phone and email information for three professional references. Screening starts on October 27, 2025.

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan

  • Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account

    
    

  • Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire

  • Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation

    
    
  
  

• Superb Retirement Plan

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    Employer Contributions range from 7.5% – 12.26% based on position

    
    
    
  
  

• Basic Term Life Insurance

• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)

  
  

• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)

• Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays

  
  

• Employee Assistance Program

• Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans

  
  

• More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University 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, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].