(Part-Time) Farm Maintenance - Milker

PAY RATE: $16.17 to $18.80/hour DOQ (Up to 1,400 hour per year).

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the supervision of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor, work activities in this position primarily involve assisting in the daily operation of the Farm & Mill by caring for and maintaining farm livestock and crops, caring for park buildings and grounds, promoting public interest and appreciation for the farm, and recommending improvements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor. Position works independently and exercises some judgment and discretion in completion of duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employee shall perform other duties as assigned.
• Performs milking duties for dairy cattle according to policy, practicing safe and hygienic stockmanship at all times
• Operates, repairs, and maintains farm equipment including tractors, utility vehicles, manure spreaders, scrapers, and planting and harvesting equipment as needed
• Assists in the harvest and storage of farm crops and livestock feed such as hay, straw, and silage.
• Prepares rations and feeds and waters livestock according to policy
• Cleans and sanitizes all aspects of dairy parlor system according to policy
• Cleans and maintains dairy barns, pens, and facilities
• Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance on machinery, including milking parlor systems
• Performs other farm maintenance chores (cleaning stalls, animal grooming, fence repair, etc.) as needed
• Assists in daily care of all farm livestock
• Assists in preparing animals for and assisting in the delivery of offspring
• Grooms, clips and trims animals for exhibition
• Maintains indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance, as needed
• Promotes public interest in the farm program through various activities and publicity
• Answers questions and assist visitors when requested
• May serve on committees
• May assist with special events

The list above is intended to describe the general nature of duties only.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – Farm Maintenance – Milker - Level P3:
• Agriculture related college coursework and/or related service in farm maintenance work preferred
• Knowledge of the principles use in farm animal care and maintenance
• Knowledge of farm crop production management
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge of the principles of good farm management
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with schools, park patrons, and other employees
• Ability to operate trucks, tractors and heavy farm equipment
• Ability to traverse sandy, marshy or wooded areas with even or uneven terrain
• Ability to load, transport and unload materials/livestock
• Ability to use carpenter tools
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts as needed and if necessary
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays
• Ability to perform essential duties

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – Farm Maintenance – Milker - Level P4:
• Meets all the minimum qualifications of a Farm Maintenance - Milker – Level P3
• Associate degree preferred from accredited college within zoology, biology, agriculture, animal science, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field
• Two (2) years of related experience with demonstrated progressive responsibilities
• Successful completion of the HCMA Milker Training Program and Supervisor Authorization to milk cattle without supervision
• Successful completion of the F.A.R.M. training modules for Dairy Care

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – Farm Maintenance – Milker - Level P5:
• Meets all the minimum qualifications of a Farm Maintenance - Milker – Level P4
• Bachelor’s degree preferred from accredited college within zoology, biology, agriculture, animal science, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field
• Three (3) years of related experience; with one (1) year of Huron Clinton Metroparks Interpretive Services Farm Maintenance experience with demonstrated progressive responsibilities.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED: Personal computer including data base, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, power point, and word processing software; calculator, copy & fax machines; phone, GPS unit, radios, automobile and heavy farm equipment, and milking parlor systems.

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 job, the employee is routinely required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is routinely required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is routinely required to run, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch and must have the ability to traverse sandy, marshy, or wooded areas with uneven terrain. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely works in outside weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to heat, wet and/or humid conditions, chemicals, animals, foliage and vegetation, etc.