Agricultural Assistant

This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, fiscal year (twelve-month) appointment.

About the role

The successful applicant 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, the position 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate 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.
• Demonstrate a general understanding of ruminant nutrition, feed types, and ration development.
• Ensure accurate mixing and feeding of delegated rations to appropriate animals.
• Perform general cleaning and maintenance of feedlot pens and farm facilities.
• Assist in the accurate collection of research and production data using provided animal production software.
• Participate in rotating weekend animal care responsibilities.
• Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and appropriate licensing if required; operate semi-trucks with a variety of trailers (including livestock trailers, hydraulic silage/manure, and flatbed trailers).
• Support 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.

Requirements

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

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with vendors, university staff, and faculty members.
• Ability to care for animals and 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.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package included.

Pay

Minimum $43,500; commensurate with experience.

Physical Requirements

• Work environment may include both indoor and outdoor settings; incumbents may be exposed to extreme heat, extreme cold, and confined or narrow spaces.
• Exposure to loud noises, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, and poor ventilation.
• Bending, crawling, crouching, lifting, pushing, and pulling objects up to 50 pounds may be required.
• Must be able to lift 75 pounds and work standing for up to 5 hours per day.
• Requires walking/standing approximately 65% of the time; sitting approximately 20% of the time; lifting up to 75 lbs. approximately 5% of the time; stooping, forward bending, and crouching approximately 10% of the time.