03/12/2004 50000

LIVESTOCK WORKER 1

DEFINITION: This is manual work in general farm activities or specialized animal care and custody.

An employee in this job is responsible for performing a variety of manual tasks in accordance with specific instructions or a well-established routine. Work involves general farming or specialized tasks in connection with caring for livestock and poultry and obtaining samples from livestock or racehorses. Work may also include assisting a higher-level supervisor or professional with the administration of drugs, collection of samples and recording of data. Work is subject to general supervision through observation or inspection.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Feeds, waters, and otherwise cares for hogs, cattle or poultry and cleans stables, pens and sheds.

Verifies the identity of the racehorses and other livestock through tattoo identification, ear tag number, and/or the comparison of records and photos.

Independently collects animal urine, saliva, and feces samples for testing.

Prepares and packages diagnostic specimens for laboratory testing.

Assists a Veterinarian or Veterinary Medical Field Officer by restraining animals as the veterinarian collects blood or tissue samples for various tests, administers drugs and biologicals, and conducts examinations.

Sanitizes, maintains, and cares for equipment utilized in the performance of duties.

Operates basic farm-related equipment including trucks, tractors and feed wagons.

Assists more experienced farm employees in the more skilled farm activities.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the feeding and care of farm animals such as horses, cows, swine, and poultry.

Knowledge of the kinds and uses of farm tools and equipment.

Ability to operate basic farm equipment, and ability to make simple mechanical and carpentry repairs to farm equipment and buildings.

Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written directions.

Ability to work long hours outdoors, performing manual labor, under varied climatic conditions.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Experience in general farm work; and such training as may have been gained through completion of the eighth school grade;

                                                                                                                                                                  or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.