Principal Function: The Agriculture Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting and overseeing daily operations of Conner Prairie's agriculture program, both behind-the-scenes and in public facing roles.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Possesses and demonstrates knowledge of proper livestock handling, maintenance and care in both routine and emergency situations.
- Works independently and as part of a team to complete daily chores, including feeding, watering, medicating and moving animals as needed.
- Leads and supervises teams of Part Time and Part Time Flex staff, including Agriculture Operations Assistants, on livestock and facility maintenance projects.
- Performs and oversees routine animal management activities such as milking, vaccinating, hoof trimming, etc., utilizing proper biosecurity protocols.
- Maintains cleanliness of pens, barns and enclosures through daily work and routine deep cleans.
- Mentors PT and PT/Flex staff in Animal Encounters, Prairietown Ag and programs roles to ensure Conner Prairie's interpretation and animal handling standards are met and exceeded.
- Maintains and monitors inventory of feed, bedding and veterinary supplies; orders more as needed,
- Performs routine and emergency maintenance of fences and shelters.
- Routinely moves electric fences for rotational grazing of bucks, feeder stock and cattle.
- Facilitates safe, educational guest/animal interactions using low-stress handling methods.
- Collaborates with Livestock Manager to monitor animal health and wellbeing.
- Operates safely Ag-related machinery including, but not limited to, tractors, ATVs, skid loaders, trucks and trailers, etc.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Serves as team leader daily for part time/seasonal staff.
Education and/or Experience: High school diploma required. Knowledge of farm machinery and low-stress animal husbandry practices desired. Experience leading teams preferred.