Job Details
Farm Animal Caretaker
This full-time position routinely requires early morning starts, working some evenings, some weekends and during statutory holidays. The duties of large animal caretaker are to meet the operational and technical needs of a small farm that stables teaching animals and hosts teaching activities of an accredited professional degree program.
An ideal candidate should be a self-motivated individual who demonstrates certain competencies including:
organization
problem-solving
adaptability and flexibility
multi-tasking
ability to work both independently and as a team
good oral and written communication skills
Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Valid driver's license (CDL desirable)
1 years' experience with care of 1 or more species, i.e., cattle or small ruminants
Ideally an Associate's degree or college degree with a major or minor in animal science, veterinary technology, agricultural technology, or 3 years of verifiable equivalent work experience
Physical ability and endurance to lift 50 lbs and withstand the demands and rigor of an outdoor job, including heavy lifting/pushing/pulling, standing for long periods of time, exposure to extreme weather, routine exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, ice, snow, soil, mud, dust, pollen, and livestock dander, manure and urine
Willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include boots, coveralls, gloves, hat, facemask, safety glasses, facemask, respirator, etc.
Duties
This position requires diligent and responsible labor and sound judgement when independent of constant personal supervision at a remote site.
This position serves as an assistant and delegate of the Farm Veterinarian
Learn, understand and follow schedules, protocols and priorities established for animal care on farm, and actively contribute to the development and refinement of such
Comply with all standard operating procedures that regulate farm activities, including human and animal safety
Greet any guests, visitors or trespassers
Ensure that start-of-day opening and end-of-day closure, locking, monitoring and security procedures are completed and operational
Train for utility disruptions, fire emergencies and severe weather crises
Observe animals on farm for illness, injury or incident
Assist with any emergencies affecting the animals on farm
Daily census animal count, maintain a running account of livestock on farm
Create and maintain individual and group identification and records/databases/logbooks for all farm livestock, both current and disbursed
Properly identify all incoming livestock
Maintain a current feed and bedding inventory
Track feed and bedding orders in a timely fashion to assure uninterrupted supply
Assist with delivery and storage of feedstuffs and bedding for farm
Maintain a current inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, instruments and materials
Track and receive orders for the farm
Track LIU Facilities work orders and completion
Ensure water is fresh, clean, thawed and available to all livestock at all times
Removal of feed waste, manure and waste bedding
Daily feeding of livestock
Keep barns, stalls, chutes, lanes, pens, corrals, mangers, feeders, tanks, troughs, paddock shelters and paddocks clean, orderly and assure these are in good repair
Ensure that fences and gates are in good repair, trimmed free of vegetation and that animals are confined in their appropriate paddocks
Prepare for student activities, courses and labs occurring at the farm
Assist with student lab & activity logistics, supervision, record-keeping, sample handling
Record and maintain records of animal use in student labs & activities
Supervise and assure post-lab clean-up and closure of activities
Operation, care, maintenance and logbooks of farm vehicles and equipment
Assist with weed and brush control on farm, including weed-eater trimming and chainsawing
Assist with the washing, sanitizing and rinsing of LIU equipment, instruments, tools and transport vehicles
Perform other necessary duties, as required
Duties when directed by the farm manager
Host, manage and supervise any guests, visitors or trespassers
Place orders for the farm
Submission, scheduling and tracking of LIU Facilities work orders and completion
Assist with student activities, courses and labs occurring at the farm
Assist with farm animal management and medical care tasks
Assist with cattle estrus synchronization and artificial insemination
Assist with transporting livestock to/from farm
Collect, transport and appropriately handle animals for teaching purposes
Assist and guide students with proper handling and restraint of farm livestock
LIU is an equal opportunity employer. LIU is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. LIU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.
Supervisor: Marion Carll Farm Veterinarian