Full-Time Livestock Specialist

Full-Time Livestock Specialist 3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars 7930 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, OH 44094 $19 - $32 an hour Lake Metroparks 15 reviews $19 - $32 an hour

Livestock Specialist:

Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate:

$19.00 per hour starting rate / $39,520 annually to $32.00 per hour maximum rate / $66,560 annually

Pay Grade:

[C] | Starting salary based on prior experience and education.

Location:

Lake Metroparks, Farmpark, Kirtland, OH 44094

Position Description:

Under the direction of the Livestock Manager, the Livestock Specialist is responsible for the daily care, handling, health monitoring, and overall well-being of livestock in a working farm environment. This position supports feeding, sanitation, breeding activities, herd health observation, recordkeeping, supply coordination, and the safe operation of farm-related tools, vehicles, and equipment. The Livestock Specialist also assists with public demonstrations, educational programs, and training support related to livestock and farm operations.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Associate's degree in animal science, agriculture, livestock management, or a related field preferred. One to two years of experience in livestock care, animal handling, farm operations, or a closely related environment required. Experience supporting public programs, demonstrations, or staff training in a farm, agricultural, educational, or hands-on operational setting is preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the Agency's policy. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check is required. Must be able to work in a farm environment under varying weather conditions and follow an irregular schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, as needed. Must be able to perform physically demanding work related to livestock care, cleaning, feeding, material handling, and general farm operations. Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining safe and effective work practices. Must be able to safely operate Park District vehicles, trailers, tools, and equipment as required for the position and remain insurable under the Park District's liability policy.

Required Training:

All Park District employees must complete and maintain all mandatory training, which may include emergency communication, hazardous materials, PPE, sexual harassment prevention, workplace violence prevention, and fire prevention.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides daily care for livestock, including feeding, watering, bedding, monitoring condition, and supporting overall animal well-being. Maintains clean, safe, and sanitary barns, pens, pastures, and related animal care areas. Observes animal health and behavior, identifies concerns, administers routine treatments or medications as directed, and coordinates veterinary care as needed. Supports breeding, pregnancy monitoring, birthing, newborn care, quarantine procedures, and other herd management activities as assigned. Maintains accurate records related to animal care, breeding, health, treatment, inventory, and operational activities. Monitors inventory and assists with ordering feed, supplements, bedding, medications, and other supplies necessary for livestock care and farm operations. Safely operates and performs routine maintenance on farm-related vehicles, trailers, tools, equipment, fencing, gates, water systems, and other support infrastructure. Assists with livestock handling for demonstrations, educational programs, public interpretation, and other Farmpark activities related to animal care and agriculture. Supports special events, including Lamb Jam, Dairy Day, and other Farmpark and Park District events, by assisting with livestock-related activities, demonstrations, setup, public engagement, and event operations. Coordinates with volunteers to support livestock care, educational programs, special events, demonstrations, and related farm activities. Writes and contributes livestock-related content for Parks Plus and other Park District publications, newsletters, promotional materials, or educational communications as assigned. Provides training support and guidance to staff in assigned areas of responsibility and assists with departmental procedures and safe work practices. Assists with the selection, transport, placement, and management of livestock to support operational and program needs. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for supervising the livestock staff and functions of Farmpark.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and duties listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

COMPUTER EXPERTISE REQUIRED / EQUIPMENT OPERATED

Basic computer proficiency required, including the ability to use email, web-based systems, and standard Microsoft Office applications for communication, scheduling, and recordkeeping. Equipment routinely used may include Park District vehicles, trailers, tractors or similar farm machinery, utility vehicles, feeding and watering equipment, fencing tools, hand tools, small power tools, cleaning equipment, and other farm-related tools and equipment necessary to support livestock care and daily operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position requires the following observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors to successfully perform the essential functions.

Knowledge:

Working knowledge of livestock husbandry practices, including feeding, watering, breeding, herd health observation, sanitation, and safe animal handling techniques. Working knowledge of farm safety practices, including the safe use of personal protective equipment, hand tools, power tools, vehicles, trailers, and equipment used in a farm setting. Knowledge of applicable health, safety, and animal welfare standards, including recognition of common animal illnesses, biosecurity practices, and procedures for obtaining veterinary support when needed. Knowledge of recordkeeping practices related to animal care, breeding, treatment, inventory, and program support.

Skills:

Skill in safely handling, restraining, moving, and caring for livestock in a manner that supports animal welfare and staff safety. Skill in identifying changes in animal behavior, health, and condition and communicating concerns promptly and appropriately. Skill in operating farm-related vehicles, trailers, tools, and equipment used to support livestock care and routine farm operations. Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide clear instruction, support demonstrations, and interact professionally with staff and the public. Skill in maintaining accurate records, monitoring inventory, and organizing work in a timely and detail-oriented manner.

Abilities:

Ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively as part of a team in support of farm and park operations. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, hands-on farm environment while maintaining attention to detail. Ability to exercise sound judgment when responding to animal care needs, operational issues, and safety concerns. Ability to interact with co-workers, volunteers, vendors, and the public with tact, professionalism, and courtesy. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, around live animals, and in proximity to farm equipment, noise, odors, dust, and uneven terrain. Ability to support educational programs, demonstrations, and operational activities in a working farm atmosphere.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grasp, handle materials, and use repetitive hand motions in support of livestock care and farm operations. The position frequently requires walking on uneven, muddy, or slippery surfaces; entering animal enclosures; and moving throughout barns, pastures, and other farm areas. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, feed, tools, and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds on a regular basis, with assistance available for heavier or awkward items. The employee must also be able to work around live animals and safely respond to sudden animal movement. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus in indoor and outdoor settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment for this position is a working farm atmosphere that includes indoor and outdoor settings such as barns, animal shelters, pastures, storage areas, and public demonstration spaces. The employee is routinely exposed to varying weather conditions, temperature extremes, humidity, mud, dust, hay, animal dander, manure, odors, insects, and uneven terrain. The position requires regular interaction with live animals and routine use of farm tools, vehicles, trailers, and equipment. Noise levels may vary from moderate to loud depending on animal activity, equipment operation, and public programming. Personal protective equipment may be required based on the task being performed and the conditions present.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Potential hazards associated with this position include those commonly found in a working farm environment with live animals and farm equipment. The employee may be exposed to risks associated with handling or working near livestock, including kicks, bites, scratches, crushing, sudden animal movement, or other unpredictable behavior. Additional hazards may include exposure to moving machinery, vehicles, trailers, hand and power tools, sharp objects, and other equipment used in daily farm operations. The position may also involve exposure to dust, hay, manure, animal waste, insects, zoonotic disease, cleaning agents, and adverse weather conditions. Safe work practices, situational awareness, and proper use of personal protective equipment are essential to reduce the risk of injury.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

The employee must demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to the needs of the Park District and its constituents while upholding the mission of Lake Metroparks.

BENEFITS

Lake Metroparks offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including: Health, dental, and vision insurance OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System) Employer-paid life insurance Paid leave policies: vacation, personal, sick, and holiday leave Optional benefits: additional life insurance, short-term disability, and deferred compensation Additional perks: Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership, agency discounts, and tuition reimbursement