Position Description – Farm Technician
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POSITION DESCRIPTION |
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Position
Title: |
Farm
Technician |
FLSA
Status: Non-exempt |
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Reports to: |
Farm Manager |
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Department: |
Division
of Agriculture and |
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Date
Prepared: |
June
2005 |
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BASIC FUNCTION |
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The
primary responsibility of this position is to assist in maitaining ABAC farm
laboratories. This includes row crop,
forage crop, and animal education laboratories. Included in this responsibility are spraying
crops, feeding and medicating animals, irrigating, fabricating lab equipment,
and other similar activities. |
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NATURE
& SCOPE |
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The ABAC Farm Manager is
the direct supervisor of the Farm Technician.
Three to five student workers report to the incumbent. This position considers alternative methods
of completing tasks within standing instructions and/or continuous
supervision. Instructions generally
provide latitude to consider variations in the sequence of procedures based
on situations encountered in the work setting. The position of Farm
Technician is somewhat of a comprehensive position. The incumbent must demonstrate a broad
scope of knowledge in agriculture related topics. This position is responsible for crop and
livestock health on the ABAC farm, and it must be staffed by a responsible
and dedicated individual. The
incumbent often works in harsh weather conditions, as well as in nighttime
hours (as necessitated by activities such as irrigation). The Farm Technician must
have an ample understanding of heavy machinery. The operation, maintenance, and repair of
this machinery are routine tasks for the incumbent. In addition, the incumbent must have a
knowledge of crop chemicals and chemical application. Livestock health is a
component of this position. The
incumbent diagnoses illnesses in the herds and administers medication when
appropriate. The incumbent also
assists with artificial insemination.
A keen knowledge of animal science is necessary for this portion of
the position. Additionally, the farm
technician must be able to effectively work with students. The core purpose of his/her job is to
enhance the academic and educational experiences of the students. The incumbent has many opportunities to
influence students and communicate knowledge, including during laboratory
exercises, and these opportunities must be utilized to maximum benefit. A true passion for students is essential in
this position. |
Position Description – Farm Technician
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PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTABILITIES |
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Ø
Maintains
educational laboratories Ø
Feeds and cares
for animals Ø
Tends to crops
on the ABAC farm Ø
Assists in
laboratory preparation and implementation Ø
Procures
supplies and repairs equipment Ø
Supervises student
workers Ø
Plans activities
for the ABAC farm and participates in division meetings |
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BUDGETARY
RESPONSIBILITIES |
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The Farm Technician does
not have any budgetary responsibilities. |
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SPECIALIZED
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED |
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This position requires two
years of college or a degree from a vocational school and one to three years
of experience in the field. In
addition, a pesticide applicators license and a commercial driver’s license
are required. The Farm Technician
should also have welding skill, mechanical repair skills, and spray
calibration skills. |