(Seasonal) Farm Maintenance Worker

General Statement of Duties

Under the supervision of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor, work activities in this position primarily involve assisting in the daily operation of the Interpretive Farm Center and other associated facilities by caring for and maintaining farm livestock and crops, caring for park buildings and grounds, promoting public interest and appreciation for the farm, and recommending improvements.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor. Position works independently and exercises some judgment and discretion in completion of duties.

Essential Duties

• Feed, care and clean Farm Center livestock including chickens, ducks, geese, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and draft horses.
• Care of other domesticated animals may be needed depending on the Farm Center.
• Perform maintenance of indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including animal sheds, pens, fences, gardens, restrooms and trails.
• Operate powered groundskeeping equipment such as weed whips, blowers, mowers, and power washers.
• Perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on machinery, including milking parlor systems.
• Plant and care for trees, shrubs, turf, flowers and other vegetation as directed.
• Groom, clip and trim animals for exhibition.
• Promote public interest in the farm program through various activities and publicity.
• Answer questions and assist visitors when requested.
• Aid in preparation of animals for and assistance in the delivery of offspring.
• Aid in special events including festivals, fairs, and other events as directed.
• Able and willing to work flexible shifts, including weekdays, weekends, mornings, evenings, holidays, and in all weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Farm Maintenance Worker – P3/S3: Agriculture related college coursework and/or related service in farm maintenance work preferred.
• Maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to operate trucks, tractors and heavy farm equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles of good farm management.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with schools, park patrons, and other employees.
• Ability to traverse sandy, marshy or wooded areas with even or uneven terrain.
• Ability to load, transport and unload materials/livestock.
• Ability to use carpentry, gardening, farming, and artistic tools.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift items weighing 100 pounds.
• Ability to work varied hours depending upon park demands including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Personal computer including data base, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, power point, and word processing software;
• Calculators;
• Copies & fax machines;
• Phone;
• GPS unit;
• Radios;
• Hand tools including carpentry, gardening, farming, and artistic tools;
• Horse harnesses and tack;
• Utility vehicles;
• Trucks and trailers;
• Tractors and heavy farm equipment;
• Powered groundskeeping equipment.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to walk, sit, talk and hear.
• The employee is routinely required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is routinely required to run, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch and must have the ability to traverse sandy, marshy, or wooded areas with uneven terrain.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely works in outside weather conditions.
• The employee may be exposed to heat, wet and/or humid conditions, chemicals, animals, foliage and vegetation, etc.