Livestock Specialist

Full-Time Livestock Specialist

Lake Metroparks – Farmpark, Kirtland, Ohio 44094

Position:
Full-Time (Non‑Exempt), Rate: $19.00 per hour ($39,520 annually) to $32.00 per hour ($66,560 annually). Pay Grade: [C].

Under the direction of the Livestock Manager, the Livestock Specialist is responsible for daily care, handling, health monitoring, and overall well‑being of livestock. Responsibilities include feeding, sanitation, breeding, herd health observation, record‑keeping, supply coordination, and safe operation of farm tools, vehicles, and equipment. The Specialist also assists with public demonstrations, educational programs, and training related to livestock and farm operations.

• Associate’s degree in animal science, agriculture, livestock management, or related field preferred.
• One to two years of experience in livestock care, animal handling, farm operations or closely related environment required.
• Experience supporting public programs, demonstrations, or staff training in a farm, agricultural, educational, or hands‑on operational setting preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable under the Agency’s policy.
• Successful completion of pre‑employment drug screen and background check required.
• Able to work in a farm environment under varying weather conditions and irregular schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Physically able to perform demanding work related to livestock care, cleaning, feeding, material handling, and general farm operations.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining safe and effective work practices.
• Able to safely operate Park District vehicles, trailers, tools, and equipment required for the position and remain insurable under the Park District’s liability policy.

All Park District employees must complete and maintain mandatory training, including emergency communication, hazardous materials, PPE, sexual harassment prevention, workplace violence prevention, and fire prevention.

• Provide daily care for livestock: feeding, watering, bedding, monitoring condition, and overall animal well‑being.
• Maintain clean, safe, and sanitary barns, pens, pastures, and related animal care areas.
• Observe animal health and behavior, identify concerns, administer routine treatments or medications as directed, and coordinate veterinary care as needed.
• Support breeding, pregnancy monitoring, birthing, newborn care, quarantine procedures, and other herd management activities as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care, breeding, health, treatment, inventory, and operational activities.
• Monitor inventory and assist with ordering feed, supplements, bedding, medications, and other supplies necessary for livestock care and farm operations.
• Safely operate and perform routine maintenance on farm‑related vehicles, trailers, tools, equipment, fencing, gates, water systems, and other support infrastructure.
• Assist with livestock handling for demonstrations, educational programs, public interpretation, and other Farmpark activities.
• Support special events such as Lamb Jam, Dairy Day, and other Farmpark and Park District events by assisting with livestock‑related activities, demonstrations, setup, public engagement, and event operations.
• Coordinate with volunteers to support livestock care, educational programs, special events, demonstrations, and related farm activities.
• Write and contribute livestock‑related content for Parks Plus and other Park District publications, newsletters, promotional materials, or educational communications as assigned.
• Provide training support and guidance to staff in assigned areas of responsibility and assist with departmental procedures and safe work practices.
• Assist with selection, transport, placement, and management of livestock to support operational and program needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

This position is responsible for supervising the livestock staff and functions of Farmpark.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform…