(Seasonal) Farm Maintenance Worker

Huron-Clinton Metroparks; Milford Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 11,985,000 - 17,220,000; Part time

Job summary

Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority is seeking a part-time Farm Maintenance Worker to assist in daily operations at the Interpretive Farm Center. You will care for livestock, maintain facilities, promote farm programs, and support events with flexibility across shifts.

Role requires ability to operate heavy equipment, lift 100 pounds, and work in all weather. Michigan driver’s license and farm-related coursework preferred; multiple duties may be assigned seasonally.

Qualifications

• Agriculture related college coursework and/or related service in farm maintenance work preferred.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to operate trucks, tractors and heavy farm equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles of good farm management.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with schools, park patrons, and other employees.
• Ability to traverse sandy, marshy or wooded areas with even or uneven terrain.
• Ability to load, transport and unload materials/livestock.
• Ability to use carpentry, gardening, farming, and artistic tools.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift items weighing 100 pounds.
• Ability to work varied hours depending upon park demands including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

Responsibilities

• Feed, care and clean Farm Center livestock including chickens, ducks, geese, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and draft horses.
• Perform maintenance of indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including animal sheds, pens, fences, gardens, restrooms and trails.
• Operate powered groundskeeping equipment such as weed whips, blowers, mowers, and power washers.
• Perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on machinery, including milking parlor systems.
• Plant and care for trees, shrubs, turf, flowers and other vegetation as directed.
• Assist in preparing animals for and assisting in the delivery of offspring.
• Groom, clip and trim animals for exhibition.
• Promote public interest in the farm program through various activities and publicity.
• Answer questions and assist visitors when requested.
• Assist with special events including festivals, fairs, and other events as directed.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekdays, weekends, mornings, evenings, holidays, and in all weather conditions.
• May serve on committees.

Skills

Operate heavy farm equipment

Drive trucks/tractors

Farm management knowledge

Lifting 100 lbs

Work varied hours

Education

Agriculture coursework / farm maintenance related education

Job description

PAY RATE

$14.52 per hour (up to 600hours per year or 120 days per season). Eligible part-time employees will receive up to a $5.75 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additionally, eligible seasonal employees will receive a $0.60 per hour seasonal bonus for all hours worked.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor, work activities in this position primarily involve assisting in the daily operation of the Interpretive Farm Center and other associated facilities by caring for and maintaining farm livestock and crops, caring for park buildings and grounds, promoting public interest and appreciation for the farm, and recommending improvements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor. Position works independently and exercises some judgment and discretion in completion of duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employee shall perform other duties as assigned.

• Feed, care and clean Farm Center livestock including chickens, ducks, geese, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and draft horses. Care of other domesticated animals may be needed depending on the Farm Center.
• Perform maintenance of indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including animal sheds, pens, fences, gardens, restrooms and trails.
• Operate powered groundskeeping equipment such as weed whips, blowers, mowers, and power washers.
• Perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on machinery, including milking parlor systems.
• Plant and care for trees, shrubs, turf, flowers and other vegetation as directed.
• Assist in preparing animals for and assisting in the delivery of offspring.
• Groom, clip and trim animals for exhibition.
• Promote public interest in the farm program through various activities and publicity.
• Answer questions and assist visitors when requested.
• Assist with special events including festivals, fairs, and other events as directed.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekdays, weekends, mornings, evenings, holidays, and in all weather conditions.
• May serve on committees.

The list above is intended to describe the general nature of duties only.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Farm Maintenance Worker – P3/S3:

• Agriculture related college coursework and/or related service in farm maintenance work preferred.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to operate trucks, tractors and heavy farm equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles of good farm management.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with schools, park patrons, and other employees.
• Ability to traverse sandy, marshy or wooded areas with even or uneven terrain.
• Ability to load, transport and unload materials/livestock.
• Ability to use carpentry, gardening, farming, and artistic tools.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift items weighing 100 pounds.
• Ability to work varied hours depending upon park demands including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer including data base, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, power point, and word processing software; calculators; copy & fax machines; phone; GPS unit; radios; hand tools including carpentry, gardening, farming, and artistic tools; horse harnesses and tack; utility vehicles; trucks and trailers; tractors and heavy farm equipment; and powered groundskeeping equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is routinely required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is routinely required to run, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch and must have the ability to traverse sandy, marshy, or wooded areas with uneven terrain. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely works in outside weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to heat, wet and/or humid conditions, chemicals, animals, foliage and vegetation, etc.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Selection process may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following: formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interviews, reference check, job related tests, psychological exam, and physical exam to include drug screening.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employee and Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority and is subject to change by HCMA based on the needs and requirements of the organization.