Livestock Specialist

Livestock Specialist – Full Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate: $19.00 per hour starting / $39,520 annually to $32.00 per hour maximum / $66,560 annually

Pay Grade: C (starting salary based on prior experience and education)

Location: Lake Metroparks, Farmpark, Kirtland, OH 44094

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

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

All Park District employees shall complete and maintain mandatory training, which may include safety, fraud, ethics, sexual harassment, and additional job‑specific training.

• Provides daily care for livestock, including feeding, watering, bedding, monitoring condition, and supporting overall animal well‑being.
• Maintains clean, safe, and sanitary barns, pens, pastures, and related animal care areas.
• Observes animal health and behavior, identifies concerns, administers routine treatments or medications as directed, and coordinates veterinary care as needed.
• Supports breeding, pregnancy monitoring, birthing, newborn care, quarantine procedures, and other herd management activities as assigned.
• Maintains accurate records related to animal care, breeding, health, treatment, inventory, and operational activities.
• Monitors inventory and assists with ordering feed, supplements, bedding, medications, and other supplies necessary for livestock care and farm operations.
• Safely operates and performs routine maintenance on farm‑related vehicles, trailers, tools, equipment, fencing, gates, water systems, and other support infrastructure.
• Assists with livestock handling for demonstrations, educational programs, public interpretation, and other Farmpark activities related to animal care and agriculture.
• Supports special events, including Lamb Jam, Dairy Day, and other Farmpark and Park District events, by assisting with livestock‑related activities, demonstrations, setup, public engagement, and event operations.
• Coordinates with volunteers to support livestock care, educational programs, special events, demonstrations, and related farm activities.
• Writes and contributes livestock‑related content for Parks Plus and other Park District publications, newsletters, promotional materials, or educational communications as assigned.
• Provides training support and guidance to staff in assigned areas of responsibility and assists with departmental procedures and safe work practices.
• Assists with the selection, transport, placement, and management of livestock to support operational and program needs.
• Performs other…