THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION

This is a description of a staff position at the University of Wyoming not a job opening announcement.  Look for current job openings at the following link:  https://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/hremployment/employmentdefault.asp.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

TITLE:  AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANT

REPORTS TO:  Designated Supervisor

UW JOB CODE:  7200

UW JOB FAMILY:  72

SOC CODE:  45-2092

PAY GRADE:  14

DATE:  4-1-95 (revised 7-1-02; 1-27-03; 7-1-04; 7-1-06)

PURPOSE

Assists in the care of crops, livestock and research projects at University Agricultural Research Centers and other duties and responsibilities required for the daily operation and maintenance of the Agricultural Centers.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Drive tractor and utilize a variety of tractor drawn machinery; plow, harrow and fertilize soil; cultivate, spray and harvest crops.

Feed livestock; formulate food rations according to prescribed practices and nutritional requirements.

May operate and clean milking machinery; may be responsible for milking dairy herd.

Monitor health of livestock; assist at calving/lambing and in care of newborns; assist in administering drugs and tending to injuries; may maintain breeding and artificial insemination records.

Weigh livestock and crops.

Irrigate crops by cleaning irrigation ditches, setting tubes, constructing dams, laying pipe and operating and maintaining pumps.

Clean, maintain and sanitize farm/ranch buildings utilized by livestock. 

Repair and maintain fences and other structures.

Perform maintenance and minor repair work on mechanical equipment.

Load and transport crops, hay or manure (manually or with machinery).

Assist with planting and harvesting corps; check harvest plots for crop yield.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

May have project supervision of students in summer months.

Lead tours of Agricultural Center for schools and general public.

SPECIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Animal science and farming methods, techniques and practices.
• Irrigation farming methods and techniques.
• Common techniques and methods used in the care of domestic animals and crops.
• Normal health patterns, behavior of animals and abnormal manifestations of illness or injury.
• Symptoms, methods and control of common diseases and insects which attack plants.
• Procedures for safely handling chemicals and farm machinery.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Safely and efficiently operate ranch and/or farm machinery and equipment.
• Safely and efficiently apply herbicides and pesticides when Wyoming Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License is required for the position.
• Move 100 pounds regularly.
• Follow directions in feeding, watering and handling animals.
• Observe and record information about plants and animals, as directed.
• Effectively communicate clearly and concisely.
• Work in outdoor weather conditions.
• Work as a team member and foster a cooperative work environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, REGISTRATION OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Some positions require a valid driver's license.
• Some positions require a Wyoming Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Various in/out door environments; daily exposure to changes in temperature, dirt, dust, noise and hazards of working with livestock and farm machinery.

Authorized by Classification/Compensation, Human Resources                                               

Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.  Participating in the University’s hazardous waste minimization program is part of the job of each employee who uses (or may come in contact with) hazardous materials.  Fair Labor Standards Act (exempt/non-exempt) is designated by position.  University of Wyoming actively supports Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations.