Potomac State College (WVU Keyser), part of the West Virginia University system of campuses, located in Keyser, WV is seeking applications for a Temporary Farm Worker.

About the Opportunity

As a member of the PSC farm staff, this position will work with the Malone Farm Manager in feeding cattle, tasks involved with grazing management, field crop management, equipment maintenance, and care of farm facilities. This position will report directly to the PSC Malone Farm Manager and the PSC Director of Farms. This position will be responsible for all activities necessary for nutritional, health, housing, and production management of our beef production enterprises, consistent with the standards established and monitored by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Environmental Health and Safety and Bio- security guidelines. This position will assist in other farm activities as needed on any PSC farm and will assist in academic lab preparation. This position, in collaboration with the Malone Farm Manager, will supervise student workers during the performance of farm production tasks.

What You'll Do

• Provide the making, mixing and delivery of daily feed for PSC cattle, general labor, fence installation, crop management (soil preparation, seeding, harvesting, etc.) and overseeing student workers assigned to these tasks.
• Work with Malone Farm and Gustafson Farm managers to coordinate hay/silage cutting, baling/bagging, and storage for feeding to all college livestock and overseeing students.
• Work with Malone Farm and Gustafson Farm managers to schedule feeding during weekends, holidays, summer, and extreme weather events for the safety of the college livestock, including student workers.
• Operate tractor(s) and equipment as needed and will assist in the general maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Will monitor and address equipment repairs as needed, including routine maintenance and repairs that can be completed on the equipment that do not require dealership services.
• Maintain regular communication with PSC farm staff to obtain information in which to make decisions and to inform them of planned activities.
• Maintain a safe and educational workplace for all students and visitors to the Malone farm and will also perform periodic assistance as needed on the PSC Gustafson and Deremer Farms, and Equine Arena as needed.
• Cooperate with instructors to coordinate lab activities and classes.
• Assist in managing student labor and student involvement in operations/farm production at the Gustafson Farm and Equine Facility in conjunction with the Gustafson Farm Manager/Equine Supervisor and Director of Farm Operations.
• Assist students with experiential learning activities as directed Administration and Faculty.
   

Pay Grade: 11

Assignment Length: Approximately 8.5 months

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

• High School diploma or GED required
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in general livestock and cattle production, tractor and equipment operation, or a combination of both.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to effectively communicate verbally, personally and via email as needed.
• This position is carried out in an educational environment, and this individual must foster and maintain a positive disposition and working environment at all times.
• The applicant must be organized, assertive and display qualities of a manager and team-player.
• Ability to operate a truck and trailer
• Ability to operate various tractors and farm equipment
• Ability to work safely around large livestock and cattle
• Ability to manage inexperienced students to prevent and minimize accidents while working in a farm environment.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• BS degree in agricultural related field (agricultural science, animal sciences, plant and soil sciences) preferred