Agricultural Assistant

Utah State University•Logan, UT

About The Position

This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, twelve-month fiscal-year appointment. The Agricultural Assistant works under the direction of the Ag Experiment Station Livestock Supervisor to carry out general ruminant livestock production practices, primarily involving sheep and goats. The position also coordinates deliveries, transports feed products and manure, maintains livestock records, and assists with the farm’s daily operations. Flexible hours are required to accommodate livestock needs, including evening and weekend work and rotating weekend animal care responsibilities. The role involves animal care and production, preparing and feeding rations, cleaning and maintaining farm facilities and equipment, and collecting research and production data using provided animal production software. Duties may include operating a semi-truck with various trailers and supporting livestock and crop production practices. The position requires work in indoor and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to weather extremes, equipment noise and vibration, and dust, fumes, odors, or other conditions affecting the respiratory system. Physical tasks may include prolonged standing and walking, bending, crawling, crouching, and lifting up to 75 pounds.

Requirements

At least two years of animal production or related agricultural experience.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Valid driver’s license for driving university vehicles and transporting materials.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with vendors and university staff and faculty.
Ability to care for animals and receive and ship materials.
Ability to operate and maintain agricultural equipment and trucks.
Ability to read and interpret written instructions, regulations, and other documentation, and identify appropriate information sources related to job responsibilities.
General understanding of ruminant nutrition, feed types, and ration development.
Experience operating agricultural tractors, hay and forage equipment, front-end loaders, and assorted farm implements.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work standing for up to five hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Ability and willingness to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), if needed to support operational requirements.

Responsibilities

Assist with farm duties, including feeding, cleaning, vaccinating, parturition, and other livestock production practices.
Mix and feed delegated rations accurately to the appropriate animals.
Clean and maintain feedlot pens and farm facilities.
Assist with and ensure accurate collection of research and production data using provided animal production software.
Take part in rotating weekend animal care responsibilities.
As needed, operate a semi-truck with livestock, hydraulic silage/manure, flatbed, and other trailers.
Support livestock and crop production practices as assigned by UAES.
Operate agricultural equipment carefully and effectively to ensure proper storage and handling of agricultural commodities.
Work with the Livestock Manager to maintain equipment and facilities.
Communicate and provide accurate records for feed and manure products to appropriate personnel.
Coordinate deliveries and transport feed products and manure.
Maintain adequate livestock records.