Agricultural Worker 2 (37.5 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut has an immediate opening for an Agricultural Worker 2.  This position is for an averaged 37.5 hours per week, with a rotating schedule including some weekends with hours of 4am to 12pm.  This is a permanent, full time position and is designated as emergency support services/essential staff. Must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that effect campus operations.     

The successful candidate will work at multiple units of the Animal Science Department in support of the Department’s Animal and Crops Units under the supervision of the Executive Program Director and should be highly motivated.  Experience with the minimum qualifications should be clearly identified in the application/resume.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to be used during many activities; may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights and may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and risk of injury from machinery or animals.  Candidates may be asked to perform a demonstration of skills at the time of interview.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications and any preferred qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify your qualifications on your application.  Also, it is recommended that you include a resume and cover letter with your application. If using a combination of education and work related experience to meet the minimum qualification, both must be in a field related to this position.  

If selected for an interview, you may be asked to provide the names, titles and phone numbers of three professional references. Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, including drug testing, as well as a criminal background check.

Questions pertaining to this position should be directed to UConn HR’s Services Unit phone number, 860-486-3034.

In a state agency, facility or institution this class is accountable for performing the most highly skilled agricultural work or acting as a lead over other agricultural workers.

Perform highly skilled agricultural work including but not limited to: Use heavy equipment to load gravel, sawdust, silage etc.; perform general landscape work; transport livestock, grains and feed.  Feeding animals; checking feed and water.  Perform heavy lifting of grain and hay, shovel manure, repair and maintain complex farm machinery including tractors, tillage equipment, seeders, spreaders, mowers, harvesters and other related equipment.  Construction and maintenance of CAHNR agricultural fencing; maintenance of grounds in agricultural areas including snow removal. Power wash facilities and equipment; disinfect and clean incubators; clean, sanitize, assemble, disassemble and operate standard poultry equipment.  Collect, wash and grade eggs; package eggs for shipping and sales.  Will assist with the milking of dairy cattle utilizing a voluntary milking system.   Will handle animals (poultry, dairy cows, beef cattle, swine, sheep and horses) and perform routine care under supervision as required.  Will assist with research projects as required.  Will keep records and prepare reports.  May lead student labor as assigned. Will also perform other duties as may be required. 

Considerable knowledge of care, health and management of animals; interpersonal skills; must be able to follow oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of complex equipment and machinery; ability to follow oral and written instructions; some supervisory ability.

College training in agriculture or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of two (2) years for an Associate's degree.

Preference will be given to those applicants who can effectively demonstrate the following in their submitted applications:

• Recent experience operating a variety of farm equipment including but not limited to tractors, manure spreader, harvesters, hay tedder.  
• Recent experience operating a variety of power tools including but not limited to weed trimmers, pressure washers, mowers, drill press, air impact tools. 
• Class A CDL.

1. Must currently possess and maintain a CDL Class A or B license.
2. Recent, documented, direct interaction with farm animals is required. 
3. Must be able to operate standard transmission vehicles. 

1. Must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory senses and must maintain such physical fitness to be able to perform duties.
2. Must be able to lift and carry 60+ lbs.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights and may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and risk of injury from machinery or animals.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp

Information concerning the University’s policies regarding the Cleary Act Statement, Non-Discrimination Policy, Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities and Recruiting Veterans can be found on UConn’s Job page at:  https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

 AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.