Agriculture Operations Assistant - PT and PT Flex

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 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; 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. 

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Customer Service – Responds to requests for service and assistance; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping one’s emotions under control; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Diversity – Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity