DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is responsible work involving the care and management of an active farm.  Essential duties include coordination of the care of livestock and horses, the planning of planting and harvest of plant life, and leading and participating in the maintenance and upkeep of farming equipment and structures. Significant contact with visitors, volunteers, and work groups, including the general public is involved. General supervision is provided by the Parks Superintendent and Supervising Crew Chief with substantial independent judgment on the part of the incumbent. Oversight of volunteers, community service workers, and student interns is a responsibility of this position. Duties and responsibilities may vary according to season and weather conditions. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Leads and participates in the maintenance of stables, sheds, troughs and equipment;
• Ensures cleanliness of livestock stables and pastures;
• Schedules and participates in appointments with animal grooming specialists, grooming, nail and hoof trimming, etc. of livestock and horses;
• Schedules and assists in veterinary appointments;
• Checks animals for evidence of disease or injury, and administers medicines and treatment per veterinarian instructions;
• Feeds and waters animals in accordance with species, health, season, and activity level;
• Maintains medical logs, dietary schedules, and other records for individual farm animals;
• Tracks inventory and orders feed, hay, seeds, plants, and other equipment as needed;
• Researches and creates planting schedule, and plans garden plot layout;
• Opens greenhouse and maintains proper daily temperature;
• Maintains plants including weeding beds, starting seedings, transplanting and harvest of plants;
• Monitors growth and health of plants, including checking for pests, proper watering and soil needs;
• Schedules and trains new employees, volunteers, students, interns, and Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) work groups, in the operation and work of the farm;
• Assigns and evaluates the work of subordinate personnel and performs on the-job training;
• Plans out and participates in the landscaping of farm restaurant;
• Significant interaction with the public, provides information about farm, agriculture, livestock in a friendly and helpful manner;
• Interacts with vendors including billing, scheduling and receiving of goods;
• Maintains various records and data for Tilly Foster Farm;
• Collects and submits time sheets for payroll;
• Notifies supervisor of necessary repairs to farm and performs basic maintenance projects as required and/or directed;
• Oversees special projects and events as needed;
• Uses a variety of tools and operates a variety of motor and other equipment related to building and grounds maintenance, as needed;
• May occasionally work late for vet appointments or animal emergencies;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of the care and management of farm animals; good knowledge of safety precautions and practices associated with a working farm; good knowledge or gardening; good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of farm equipment; working knowledge of farm animal health issues; ability to plan and schedule work, including determining staff, equipment, and supplies needed; ability to train and supervise subordinates; ability to comfortably handle animals; ability to handle the physical demands of farm work including walking, standing, reaching, bending, squatting, lifting, and carrying; ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to generate and maintain records; resourcefulness and imagination in meeting new and unusual problems; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; manual and physical dexterity; good judgment; initiative and resourcefulness; tact and courtesy; integrity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Four (4) years of experience in farm operations, specifically in the daily care of farm animals.

12/22

Non-Competitive Class

Highways & Facilities (PJC)