Agricultural Worker 1 (37.5 Hour)

The Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources has an immediate opening for an Agricultural Worker 1 position. This position is for an averaged 37.5 hours a week, with a rotating schedule including some weekends with hours of 4:00am – 12:00pm. This position is categorized 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.  Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical and criminal background check.  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.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to be used during many activities. Experience with the minimum and preferred qualifications should be clearly identified in the application/resume.

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, please submit a resume and cover letter. 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.

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If selected for an interview, you will be asked to supply the names, titles and phone numbers of three, work related references which must include one current or previous supervisor. Candidates may be asked to perform a demonstration of skills at the time of interview.

The successful candidate must currently possess and maintain or must obtain within the first year of employment, as a condition of continued employment, a CDL Class A or B license. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical and criminal background check.

In a state agency facility or institution this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in skilled agriculture work.

Provide general animal care to include feeding, watering of animals; lifting and carrying grain bags and bales of hay; load/unload hay; shoveling manure; performing minor maintenance of buildings (lawn mowing, string trimming, etc.) Maintenance and minor servicing of agricultural equipment, 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.  Assist with the milking of dairy cattle utilizing a voluntary milking system.   Handle animals (poultry, dairy cows, beef cattle, swine, sheep and horses) and perform routine care under supervision as required.  Assist with research projects as required.  Keeps records and prepares reports.  May lead student labor as assigned. Perform other duties as may be required. 

Knowledge of methods used in culture and propagation of crops, produce, plants, flowers and orchards; knowledge of care, health and management of animals; some interpersonal skills; some oral and written communication skills; ability to operate and maintain equipment related to particular agricultural area; ability to follow oral and written instructions.

One (1) year of experience in one of the following areas, related to the specific needs of the position:

- General farm labor (crops, produce, orchards, etc.)
- Farm animal science and or maintenance (dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, pigs, etc.)
- Plant science
- Dairy manufacturing

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.

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Recent, documented, direct interaction with farm animals.
• Recent experience operating a variety of farm equipment including but not limited to tractors, manure spreader, harvesters and hay tedder.
• Recent experience operating a variety of power tools including but not limited to weed trimmers, pressure washers, mowers, drill press and air impact tools.
• Ability to perform general grounds maintenance including fences.
• Ability to operate standard transmission vehicles.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.
   
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

1. Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
   
2. A physical examination may be required.

Incumbents may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and to risk of injury from equipment 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.