Livestock Manager

TITLE: Livestock Manager (Ruminants)

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences

REPORTS TO: Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: Under general supervision of the PI(s) and/or CoI(s) working with all ruminant animals at the farm, the Livestock Manager (Ruminants) will supervise Research Assistants, Farm Technicians, and student workers at the farm working in these areas.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The individual will work with the Farm Manager to arrange for equipment and assistance as needed to maintain the Ruminant Animal facilities, fences, and pastures. They will work to ensure that all research and extension activities and needs are met and information is collected for presentation to the PIs. They will organize and assist in doing daily activities and be the initial point of contact for emergency and after hour issues that may arise related to the ruminant animals at the farm. They will plan the general management activities in consultation with the PIs for animals that are not actively on research projects. They will work with the PI(s) to develop general production plans and implementation of these activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supervision of workers at the research farm working with Ruminant animals

• Working with the Farm Manager, PI(s)/CoI(s) on planning and conduction needed activities for the maintenance and management

• Drives and operates hay equipment, tractors, and other farm equipment.

• Applies pesticides and fertilizers, which includes measuring and mixing chemicals and calibrating the application equipment.

• Performs maintenance and minor repairs on farm vehicles as needed.

• Performs minor electrical, plumbing, fence repairs, and carpentry work for the construction and maintenance of buildings and fences.

• Plants and monitors forage crops as necessary.

• Assists project leaders with data collection.

• Cleans shops, barns, sheds, barn lots and office facilities.

• Drives truck to transport livestock, farm supplies, tools and equipment.

• Position will require some weekend and evening work.

• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: BS degree in agriculture, Animal Science, or related field. Applicants with experience working with cattle and goats will be given preference.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic care for livestock

• Knowledge of farm operations.

• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of farm equipment.

• Knowledge of forage planting and harvesting techniques.

• Ability to effectively communicate.

• Ability to work with livestock both small and large.

• Able to work weekends as needed.

• Work with others and as an individual to get task completed on time.

• Self started and able to work alone.

• A valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Most work will be outside and may be in adverse weather conditions.

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

• Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.