Student Employment Selection and Retention Policy

Every semester, the JF Witter Center Superintendent and Livestock Manager will select and hire undergraduate students to assist in the day-to-day farm operations of our small dairy research facility. Duties generally include but are not limited to: farm chores and checks for the benefit of the cows, horses, and other animals on the farm, basic cleaning and upkeep of farm facilities, and giving tours to members of the general public.

General Policies

Students are hired on a semester by semester basis based on current needs, availability, and scheduling.
Employment during one semester does not guarantee employment in subsequent semesters. All eligible students, regardless of past employment status at Witter Center, are encouraged to express interest for the upcoming semester.
For returning student applicants, selection for subsequent semesters will be based on: past performance, demonstrated availability (especially during break periods where farm coverage is essential), and ability to fit within the current scheduling needs of the facility.
The Witter Center will aim to maintain a workforce distributed between 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year students to foster continuity of undergraduate workers and allow for consistent knowledge transfer year over year.
Given the novelty of our new robotic milking system, this policy may need to be modified as MAFES and farm staff see fit to best meet the needs of Witter Center and its research animals.

Selection Criteria

Open positions will be filled each semester. Students applying for the first time will go through an interview process with Witter staff and returning student employees. Students seeking continued employment will be evaluated past performance, demonstrated availability (especially during break periods where farm coverage is essential), and ability to fit within the current scheduling needs of the facility. Specifically, the following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:

Academic Standing: All Students must be currently enrolled at University of Maine and be in good standing. Potential dairy employees must have taken and passed the Dairy Cattle Technology Laboratory (AVS 347) to be eligible for student employment. Equine employees must have taken and passed Equine Management Cooperative (AVS 303).
Availability: The animals have constant need of attention at Witter Center, and therefore the selection of student employees will be done in a manner to ensure all chore times are met.
Reliability and Commitment: Potential employees must demonstrate reliability and commitment to punctuality, dependability, and a consistent work ethic. Students with undocumented absences from lab chores or work shifts will not be considered for employment.
Safety Adherence: Employees must maintain strict adherence to all established animal welfare and farm safety protocols.
Teamwork and Communication: Employees must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with staff and peers, and maintain clear and timely communication with supervisors regarding scheduling conflicts or operational issues.
Professional Conduct: Employees must maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when interacting with Witter Center staff, fellow students, and members of the public.
Recommendations from University of Maine Staff – Witter Center staff may seek recommendations from course professors, teaching assistants, and other University of Maine staff members.
Interest in Animal/Dairy Science: While not always mandatory, preference may be given to students demonstrating an active interest or background in animal science, dairy management, or veterinary science.

Timeline

A performance review/ check-in will take place with each current student employee ~⅔ of the way through the semester. During this meeting, student interest in returning for the next semester and availability for the upcoming break (summer/winter).
Interested students should provide written interest (email) in working the following semester along with available hours to the farm superintendent and livestock manager as soon as possible.
Selected Student Employees for the upcoming break and next semester will be chosen by Dec 1st (spring semester) or August 1st (fall semester).

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.