09/24/2003 61410

GAME FARM ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT

DEFINITION: This is supervisory work which involves assisting the Game Farm Superintendent in the propagation, care and distribution of pheasants and other game birds within the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

An employee in this class coordinates and supervises Wildlife Maintenance Propagators in all technical and routine game farm operations and assist the Game Farm Superintendent with the administration of the game farm on a 24 hour a day, seven day a week operation. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed by the Game Farm Superintendent through reports and on-site inspections.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Determines priorities, plans and assigns daily activities of game propagators and temporary employees.

Supervises the operation of caring of breeder flocks and gathering of eggs.

Supervises the beak trimming, sexing, medicating, banding, catching and crating of mature pheasants.

Plans and supervises repairs, replacement and construction of new cover pens, perimeter fences, water lines, and netting.

Assists in the planning of the farming operation including performing soil tests; determining crop rotations, planting and harvesting of crops; and supervising the application of pesticides and herbicides.

Assists in setting up the hatchery schedule.

Supervises the hatchery operation including regulating hatchery settings, handling of eggs and the maintenance and repair of equipment.

Supervises the set up of brooding houses including the cleaning and disinfecting of houses and setting of heating and ventilation units.

Coordinates all PGC programs at Game Farms.

Assists in the biweekly and monthly reporting, purchasing, budget preparation, and immediate and long range planning.

Makes recommendations for future projects and improvements.

Maintains records of bird placement, mortality, predator control, and work schedules.

Orders supplies, such as feed, fuel, lumber and general operational supplies and completes purchase invoices.

Performs public relations duties, such as conducting tours, presenting presentations to schools and clubs concerning game farm operations and visits private game bird operations to assist in their rearing operation.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

May participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organization requirements.

Performs other related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of game farm operations and techniques and the ability to apply this knowledge to operations.

Knowledge of the life habits and requirements of game birds.

Knowledge of common game bird diseases and methods of treatment.

Knowledge of the operation of equipment used in farm operations and game propagation, including farm tools, equipment and machinery, incubators, hatchers and brooding equipment.

Ability to coordinate and supervise the work of a group of subordinates and to train them in proper work methods.

Ability to supervise the operation and repair of hatchery and farming equipment.

Ability to make reports and keep records.

Ability to develop employee performance standards, evaluate employee performance, prepare employee performance evaluation reports and discuss reports with employee.

Ability to read and interpret Commonwealth and departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to interpret and administer labor contract provisions.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of experience as a Wildlife Maintenance Propagator.