Agricultural Assistant

This is a full time, benefit eligible, fiscal year (twelve month) appointment. The successful applicant for this position of Agricultural Assistant will work under the direction of the Ag Experiment Station Livestock Supervisor to conduct general ruminant livestock production practices, coordinate deliveries, transport feed products and manure, and maintain adequate livestock records. Additionally, he/she will assist in the everyday duties and responsibilities of the farm.

Flexible hours are required to accommodate daily livestock needs.

Depending on operational needs, the position may require the operation of semi-trucks and various trailers. If these duties become necessary, the employee may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and any other appropriate licensing.

• Experienced in operation of agricultural equipment including: agricultural tractors, hay and forage equipment, front end loaders, and assorted farm implements.
• Assist in farm responsibilities which include, but are not restricted to: feeding, cleaning, vaccinating, parturition, and other livestock production practices.
• General understanding of ruminant nutrition, feed types, and ration development.
• Ensuring accurate mixing and feeding of delegated rations to appropriate animals.
• General cleaning and maintenance of feedlot pens and farm facilities.
• Assisting and ensuring accurate collection of research and production data using provided animal production software.
• Rotating weekend animal care responsibilities.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and appropriate licensing. Position may include operation of semi-truck with a variety of trailers (including livestock trailers, hydraulic silage/manure, and flatbed trailers).
• Supporting UAES in Livestock and Crop production practices as assigned.
• Operate equipment carefully and effectively to ensure proper storage and handling of agricultural commodities.
• Work closely with Livestock Manager to maintain equipment and responsible facilities.
• Communicate and provide adequate records for both feed and manure products effectively to proper personnel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of animal production, or related agricultural experience.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability and willingness to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), if needed to support operational requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbal and written, with vendors, and university staff and faculty members.
• Ability to care for animals & receive and ship materials.
• Ability to operate and maintain agricultural equipment and trucks.
  
  Ability to read and interpret written instructions, regulations, and other documentation and identify appropriate sources of information related to position responsibilities.

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods…