Agricultural Worker 1 (37.5 Hour Entry Level) (Temporary)

The State of Connecticut, Animal Science Department at the University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is seeking a temporary, full-time Agricultural Worker 1 to begin work immediately through September 30, 2019. The work schedule for this position is Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and the hourly salary is $16.94. This position is categorized as emergency support services/essential staff. Must be willing and able to work during extreme weather conditions, emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or significant events that affect campus operations. This position will work under the general supervision of the Executive Program Director or other senior employee as designated by the Executive Program Director. The successful candidate will perform the following duties: Provide general animal care to include feeding, watering of farm animals; lifting and carrying grain bags and bales of hay; load/unload hay; shovel manure; operating and maintaining of small 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. May lead student labor as assigned. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to be used during many activities.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify how you meet the minimum and prefered qualifications on your application.

If selected for an interview you'll be asked to supply the names, titles and phone numbers of three work-related references which must include one current or previous supervisor. Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, including drug testing, as well as a 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.

Independently performs skilled agricultural tasks in operation and maintenance of complex land preparation, planting, harvesting and dairy plant equipment; performs minor maintenance and repair of greenhouse buildings, barns and animal holding areas; cleans, sanitizes, assembles, disassembles and operates dairy equipment; assists in sale of agricultural products; feeds, waters and cares for animals; administers medications to animals under supervision; prunes, pinches and supports plants; grafts and transplants trees, plants and flowers; may spray pesticides on various crops and weeds; keeps records and prepares reports; performs a full range of duties as outlined in the Agricultural Worker Trainee specification; performs related duties as 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.

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.

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

• Ability to operate tractors and loaders, lawn mowers, brush cutter, manure spreader, and hay tedder.
• Ability to operate power tools such as weed trimmers.
• One year of work experience with farm animals.

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.
3. Incumbents in this class must possess a valid driver's license.

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.

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.