Job Title:           Farm Worker II   - Full Time 
Division:           Executive 
Headquarters: Huttonsville Farm - Huttonsville, WV 
FSLA Status:     Non-exempt 

Nature of Work:
Under the general supervision and direction of the Farm Manager, the full-time Farm Worker II performs skilled 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 and may involve the supervision of employees engaged in these activities.

Examples of Work: 

• Grind and mix feed rations for livestock according to an approved feeding plan.
• Supervise the daily care and feeding of livestock by hand or use of mechanical feeding equipment.
• Collect feed samples and send them in for analysis to be used in ration development.
• Perform animal care and pest control (fly spraying, cleaning and deworming).
• Supervise the cleaning of barns, livestock quarters and other buildings.
• Perform the weaning of calves from cows and tagging the calves.
• Develop a whole herd health program and perform timely vaccinations, castrations and ear tagging and treat any sickness.
• Oversee the breeding program and pasture rotation.
• Keep daily written records of livestock production including number of head, treatments, weaning, castration, breeding records, pasture rotations and enter them into cattle management software.
• Operate equipment such as a tractor, end loader and corn grinder in performing tasks such as hauling hay and manure, plowing, cultivating, harvesting and grinding feed.
• Operate truck with gooseneck trailer for purpose of livestock hauling.
• Plant, cultivate, and harvest crops by hand and/or by using machines such a corn planter, bailer, 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 grain equipment.
• 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 and pesticides, outside work and exposure to inclement weather.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skillful knowledge in the care of livestock.
• Skillful knowledge of land cultivation and fertilization practices.
• Skillful knowledge of livestock sanitation, pest control and building techniques.
• Skillful knowledge of farm machinery and the maintenance techniques used to care for the equipment.
• Sound knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
• Skilled in operating farm machinery, equipment and trucks with trailers.
• Ability to vaccinate and castrate livestock.
• Ability to repair fences, buildings and farm equipment.
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to keep written records of farm activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other employees and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Qualifications:

Education:  High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:  Three years of paid experience working full-time or in a similar capacity 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.

                                        This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
                                                                         West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.