FARM WORKER I TEMPORARY (Huttonsville, WV)

Division: Executive – Farms
Headquarters: Huttonsville Farm, Huttonsville, WV
Reports To: Farm Manager
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Temporary Employees are not eligible for benefits and cannot exceed 1,000 hours worked in a calendar year.

About the Role

Under the general supervision and direction of the Farm Manager, this position performs routine manual labor associated with farm work at a state-owned facility using currently accepted agricultural practices and application of new technologies. Work involves the production and care of field crops and livestock.

Responsibilities

• Grind and mix feed mixtures for livestock as instructed.
• Salt, feed, water, and bed livestock by hand or use of mechanical feeding equipment.
• Clean barns, livestock quarters, and other buildings.
• Separate calves from cows and tag calves.
• Operate equipment such as a tractor, end loader, and corn grinder in performing tasks such as hauling hay and manure, plowing, and grinding feed.
• Operate truck with gooseneck trailer for purpose of livestock hauling.
• Plant and harvest crops by hand and/or by using machines such as a corn planter, baler, dump truck, and silage blower.
• Load and unload trucks of produce, seed, fertilizer, feed, etc.
• Apply sprays for weeds and insect control.
• Repair fences, buildings, and equipment as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Standing, sitting, driving, walking, lifting up to 100 lbs.
• Operating and working in proximity of farm machinery.
• Exposure to herbicides, pesticides, outside work, and inclement weather.

Skills

• General knowledge in the care of livestock.
• General knowledge in land cultivation and fertilization practices.
• General knowledge of livestock sanitation, pest control, and building techniques.
• General knowledge of farm machinery and the maintenance techniques used to care for the equipment.
• General knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
• Ability to operate farm machinery, equipment, and trucks with trailers.
• Ability to repair fences, buildings, and farm equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor.

Qualifications

• Education: Completion of an eighth-grade education; graduation from high school or the equivalent preferred.
• Experience: Two years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in a farming operation.
• Substitutions: Vocational training in agriculture may be considered as a substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.