Job Title: Farm Manager

Division: Animal Health - Farms

Headquarters: Huttonsville Farm

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $37,160 - $47,000

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Nature of Work: These positions manage state owned farms using currently accepted agricultural practices and applies new technology.

Examples of Work:

• Supervise farm workers, inmate labor and mechanics involved in farming and other supportive activities.
• Routine operation of machinery, animal management and herbicide utilization.
• Perform farming tasks such as plowing, disking, cutting and baling hay and haylege, feeding and caring for animals as necessary.
• Train farm employees in specific farming techniques and procedures.
• Observe farming operations by making frequent rounds throughout the farm to ensure that productivity and efficiency are being optimized.
• Determine appropriate time, methods and personnel needed for farming activities such as fertilizing, planting, harvesting, storing, etc.
• Oversee the breeding and health of animals, consulting veterinarians when necessary.
• Prepare financial and progress reports regarding farming operations.
• Review and approve timecards and leave requests of staff in the electronic timekeeping system.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Standing, sitting, driving, walking, lifting up to 100 lbs., functioning in and working in proximity of operating machinery, exposure to herbicides and pesticides, outside work and exposure to inclement weather.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of farm management techniques and principles.
• In-depth knowledge of chemicals used in pesticides and medicines administered to farm animals.
• In-depth knowledge of breeding and animal health programs.
• In-depth knowledge of land cultivation, crop rotation, rotational grazing and fertilization practices.
• In-depth knowledge of farm machinery and the maintenance techniques used to care for the equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
• In-depth knowledge of agency reporting procedures and administrative policies.
• Ability to supervise and train a variety of farm workers and other subordinates associated with farming operations.
• Skilled in operating all types of farm machinery.
• Skilled in assisting cows during calving.
• Ability to make timely decisions concerning farm management activities.
• Ability to prepare statistical and narrative status reports of farm operations.
• Ability to delegate, direct and oversee the work of others.

Qualifications:

• Training: Bachelor’s degree with a major in agriculture field.
• Experience: Two years of experience in managing or assisting in management of a large, multi-faceted farming operation.
• Substitution: Additional years of experience in farm management in excess of the two years required may be considered for substitution for training on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• 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.