Temporary Farm Worker - WVU Keyser
About The Position
Potomac State College (WVU Keyser), part of the West Virginia University system and located in Keyser, West Virginia, is seeking a Temporary Farm Worker. As a member of the PSC farm staff, the position works with the Malone Farm Manager on cattle feeding, grazing and field crop management, equipment maintenance, and care of farm facilities. The worker is responsible for activities needed to support the nutritional, health, housing, and production management of the beef production enterprises, consistent with standards established and monitored by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Environmental Health and Safety, and biosecurity guidelines. The position assists with activities at any PSC farm and with academic lab preparation. In collaboration with the Malone Farm Manager, the worker supervises student workers performing farm production tasks and supports student involvement and experiential learning. The worker reports directly to the PSC Malone Farm Manager and the PSC Director of Farms. The assignment lasts approximately 8.5 months and is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least one year of experience in general livestock and cattle production, tractor and equipment operation, or a combination of both.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally, personally, and by email as needed.
- Ability to foster and maintain a positive disposition and working environment in an educational setting.
- Organized, assertive, and able to demonstrate qualities of a manager and team player.
- Ability to operate a truck and trailer.
- Ability to operate various tractors and farm equipment.
- Ability to work safely around large livestock and cattle.
- Ability to manage inexperienced students to prevent and minimize accidents in a farm environment.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment; equivalent combinations of related education and/or experience will be considered.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor of Science degree in an agriculture-related field, such as agricultural science, animal sciences, or plant and soil sciences.
Responsibilities
- Make, mix, and deliver daily feed for PSC cattle; perform general labor, install fences, manage crops, and oversee students assigned to these tasks.
- Coordinate with the Malone Farm and Gustafson Farm managers on hay and silage cutting, baling or bagging, and storage for college livestock, while overseeing students.
- Work with farm managers to schedule livestock feeding during weekends, holidays, summer, and extreme weather events to protect livestock safety, including coordinating student workers.
- Operate tractors and other equipment as needed, and assist with general maintenance of equipment and facilities.
- Monitor equipment and address repairs, including routine maintenance and repairs that do not require dealership services.
- Communicate regularly with PSC farm staff to obtain information for decision-making and share planned activities.
- Maintain a safe and educational workplace for students and visitors at Malone Farm, and provide periodic assistance at Gustafson Farm, Deremer Farms, and the Equine Arena as needed.
- Coordinate lab activities and classes with instructors.
- Assist with management of student labor and student involvement in operations and farm production at Gustafson Farm and the Equine Facility, in conjunction with the Gustafson Farm Manager/Equine Supervisor and Director of Farm Operations.
- Assist students with experiential learning activities as directed by Administration and Faculty.
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What This Job Offers
Education Level
High school or GED
