Farm Worker - WVU Keyser

Potomac State College (WVU Keyser), part of the West Virginia University system of campuses, located in Keyser, WV is seeking applications for a 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 Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC), 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.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

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).
• Work with Malone Farm and Gustofson Farm managers to coordinate hay/silage cutting, bailing, bagging, and storage for feeding to all college livestock.
• Work with Malone Farm and Gustofson Farm managers to schedule feeding during weekend, holidays, summer, and extreme weather events for the safety of the college livestock.
• Operate tractor(s) and equipment as needed and will assist in the general maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• 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 Gustofson and Deremer Farms, and Equine Arena as needed.
• Cooperate with instructors to coordinate lab activities and classes.
• Assist students with experiential learning activities as directed Administration and Faculty.

Pay Grade: 11

Work hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

• High school diploma or GED; Associate's degree in an agricultural field (animal sciences, equine, plant and soil sciences) preferred
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • General livestock and cattle production experience
  • Tractor and equipment operations
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills & 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.

Physical Effort:

• 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.

• Valid driver's license, to operate state owned vehicles

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.