01/24/2003 61320

WILDLIFE MAINTENANCE PROPAGATOR

DEFINITION: This is specialized technical, skilled trades and equipment maintenance and operation work at a game farm in the Pennsylvania Game Commission in the propagation, care and distribution of pheasants and other game birds.

An employee in this class performs a variety of technical duties in the breeding, hatching, brooding, feeding and care of a large number of pheasants and other game birds; performs farming work, utilizing good conservation practices, crop rotation, and herbicides application; performs skilled trades work in the construction, maintenance and repair of facilities, grounds, automotive and farm equipment and machinery; and operates and performs maintenance and repairs on specialized equipment. An employee in this class may serve as a lead worker of seasonal Game Farm Workers in breeding, hatching, raising, caring for and distribution of pheasants and other game birds, general farming operations, and in the construction, maintenance, and repairs of buildings, grounds, and other equipment. Employee receives general supervision and work is carried out using independent judgment concerning procedure, tools, equipment and materials.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs technical work in the breeding, hatching, brooding, feeding, and care of a large number of game birds.

Performs field necropsy.

Takes blood samples and administers medication to game birds under direct supervision.

Participates in the selection of breeder stock.

Sets up and maintains breeder fields in a clean sanitary condition.

Collects eggs, sanitizes and stores in egg refrigeration locker.

Maintains feed and water system for breeding birds.

Performs hatchery operations including pre operational inspection of equipment and disinfection of facilities.

Monitors incubator and hatchery equipment and notifies supervisor of problems.

Makes minor repairs to incubator and hatchery equipment.

Sets eggs, make transfers and sexes day-old chicks for sales.

Performs brooder house operations including setting up and performing pre operational inspections to heat systems, automatic water systems and air conditioning units.

Cleans and disinfects brooding equipment and houses.

Monitors heating system, water system and environmental and non-environmental ventilation systems.

Performs routine maintenance including delivering feed to game birds in the brooder houses and flight pens.

Checks fields for predator incursion.

Participates in catching game birds including segregating sexes, applying anti-pick devices, beak trimming, moving birds to flight pens and crating for shipment and release.

Operates vehicles used in the transportation of equipment, pheasants, grains, and other materials.

Performs construction and maintenance work on buildings, equipment and grounds using carpentry, plumbing or electrical tools.

Performs welding, including arc oxygen and acetylene and soldering.

Performs repairs to electrical wiring, plumbing in buildings and mechanical equipment.

Installs underground water systems and sub-surface water lines and plumbing.

Performs visual inspections to automotive equipment and tractors and conducts minor repairs and performs bodywork and paint to equipment.

Constructs or renovates environmental flight pens, and sets up flight and holding pens, including installing water lines, feeders, checking and repairing netting and fencing.

Participates in arranging farming schedule and carries out at appropriate times.

Applies pesticides and herbicides and maintains licenses necessary to complete farming operation.

Maintains farming records including soil samples, appropriate fertilizers, line and spraying records.

Assists in training seasonal Game Farm Workers in game farm operations.

Prepares a variety of reports such as automotive, fuel, feed, egg production mortality, medication.

Performs other related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods and techniques employed in breeding, hatching, raising and caring for game birds.

Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair in the use of incubators, hatchers and brooders.

Knowledge of farming practices and equipment utilized in farming operations.

Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and practices used in the building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical trades.

Skill in the use of specialized hatchery and other equipment utilized in the game farm operation.

Ability to perform repairs to buildings and equipment.

Ability to perform related clerical tasks in keeping records and reports.

Ability to conceive and carry out instructions.

Ability to plan and direct work.

Ability to exhibit physical strength and stamina sufficient to perform skilled maintenance and trades and technical propagation related duties under varying climatic conditions.

Ability to obtain an applicator certification and poultry technician license.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six months propagation experience working at a breeding facility that produces a minimum of 1000 game birds, which includes skilled maintenance and trades work utilized in building construction and equipment maintenance and operation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.