Principal Function: The Agriculture Operations Assistant is responsible for assisting the full-time Agriculture Staff with routine care and maintenance of Conner Prairie's working farm and livestock herds. This position will work independently and as part of a team to perform all aspects of routine livestock care using low-stress livestock handling methods.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Handles all livestock according to Conner Prairie's low-stress handling protocol,
- Feeds, waters, and monitors health of all animals (cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, poultry, rabbits, cats) as instructed by the Livestock Manager.
- Assists the Agriculture Staff with routine veterinary/maintenance work (hoof trimming, vaccinating, weighing, medicating, milking, shearing/grooming, breeding, etc.).
- Monitors bred animals for signs of labor and provides pre- and post-natal care for livestock.
- Adheres to all biosecurity standards and department protocols as outlined in the Living Collections and Livestock Management Policies.
- Participates in trainings, certifications, and staff meetings as required.
- Cleans barns, pens, stalls, feeders, brooders, water tanks, etc.
- Performs pasture maintenance, including rotational grazing, weeding, mowing and monitoring for invasive species.
- Safely operates farm machinery (tractors, manure spreaders, etc.).
- Assists with maintenance and construction of fences, barns, sheds, etc.
- Engages with the public through interpretive Ag programs and non-Agriculture focused programming as needed.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience with agriculture is preferred, but not required.