Livestock Operations Specialist (Class 'A' license required)

About the Role

Under general supervision, coordinates, oversees, and participates in the operations, activities, and maintenance of the College’s animal sciences laboratory facilities. Provides instructional and administrative support services for the animal sciences laboratory facilities and assists students and faculty in the use and operation of equipment and materials related to the farm animal sciences units.

This is a journey-level classification responsible for participating in the daily operations, services, and maintenance activities of the College’s animal sciences laboratory facilities. Incumbents are fully trained in all procedures related to the assigned area(s) of responsibility, working with a high degree of independent judgment, tact, and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance with protocols and guidelines established by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Coordinates, oversees, and participates in the operations, services, and maintenance activities of the animal sciences unit; ensures proper safety and security of the animal sciences unit and related buildings, equipment, and grounds.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals and objectives for the farm’s animal sciences laboratory facilities.
• Oversees, develops, and implements production, breeding, feeding, healthcare, and safety of the farm animals; monitors and ensures smooth and efficient operations related to the animal sciences laboratory facilities, pastures, stock areas, facilities, and equipment.
• Collaborates in developing and implementing weekly, monthly, and annual plans for the animal sciences laboratory facilities.
• Trains and provides work direction and guidance to temporary employees and staff; prepares work schedules, assigns duties, and reviews work for accuracy and compliance with established standards.
• Provides instructional support services for the animal sciences laboratory facilities; assists students with developing animal science husbandry and animal welfare skills.
• Assists students and faculty in the use and operation of farm equipment and materials; sets up, operates, and demonstrates farming tools and equipment; performs minor maintenance and repairs.
• Assists instructors with the preparation of agricultural exhibits and instructional materials used in laboratory classes and extracurricular activities.
• Develops and implements monthly production and herd health plans; maintains related schedules and production output.
• Oversees best management practices of the animal sciences laboratory facilities; develops and implements solutions in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Coordinates the sale of the farm’s animal sciences products; ensures adequate animal availability and coordinates production activities; develops and arranges delivery schedules; processes and accounts for sales revenue.
• Assists in developing budget figures for the unit; monitors and controls expenditures; manages inventory levels of supplies and equipment.
• Communicates with College staff, students, and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports related to students, animals, materials, inventory, and assigned activities.
• Drives a vehicle to transport farm products as needed.
• Provides quality customer service when interacting with the public, vendors, students, and College staff.
• Participates on committees, task forces, and special assignments, including mandated trainings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid California Class A driver’s license with appropriate endorsements.
• Knowledge of terminology, techniques, equipment, materials, principles, theories, practices, and procedures related to the animal sciences program.
• Knowledge of practices, procedures, and techniques involved in monthly production, breeding, feeding, healthcare, and safety of farm animals.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for preparing course materials used in Agri-Science courses.
• Ability to set up, operate, demonstrate, and maintain tools and equipment used in animal sciences laboratory facilities.
• Basic knowledge of sales, customer service, and record-keeping principles.
• Ability to provide instructional support and training to students and staff.
• Proficiency in modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment related to the work.
• Strong communication skills, including English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse ages, disabilities, socio-economic levels, and ethnic groups.

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is through relevant education and experience in animal sciences or a related field.

Foreign transcripts require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited U.S. institution.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees and their dependents, including lifetime supplemental medical benefits for eligible retirees.
• College contributes an annual premium up to the family coverage amount equivalent to Kaiser Permanente ($15 office visit medical), DeltaCare HMO dental, VSP vision, and life insurance plans.
• Participation in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) or State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) retirement programs.
• Shift differential eligibility based on the current collective bargaining agreement.

Pay

Annual salary range: $79,920.48 - $101,983.92.

Schedule

Full-time (100% FTE), 12-month term position.

Primary work schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.