Agriculture Research Specialist - Animal Science Farm

• Associate's degree in an agricultural related field or a high school diploma/GED with at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the required fields (animal or plant research facility including working with layout).
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in the following:
• Experience handling/ feeding livestock. 
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Data collection and management.
• Experience in instructing/educating students preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of agricultural and plant science and practices (e.g. production practices of livestock and plants).
• Proven ability to gather or assist in collecting research data, handling and preparation of labs.
• Ability to learn, understand, and follow WVU, Davis College and Division lab policies and procedures.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) to maintain data for research, samples, safety, etc.
• Ability to operate tillage, feeding, and other REOC equipment with a high degree of accuracy for small plot and animal research needs.
• Understanding of basic experimental design, including replication, plots and sub-plots, consistency of data collection.
• Understanding of both precision and accuracy in record collection and the need for research protocol adherence.
• Ability to effectively utilize data sheets and spreadsheets to collect and organize data.
• Ability to use and comprehend record keeping software such as Cattlemax, HerdManager, and FarmWorks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with students, faculty, and the general public.
• Effective organizational, task management, and computational skills.
• Ability to understand simple to complex instructions, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated ability to walk/run in rough field conditions and terrain when herding animals.
• Demonstrated ability to physically restrain and handle animals and provide hands-on treatment of livestock.
• Proven ability to administer medications and vaccinations to animals.
• Ability to apply pesticides - may require obtaining license and wearing protective clothing and apparatus.
• Ability to lift, bend, stoop, walk, reach, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to lift, carry, load and unload supplies and materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, write coherently and concisely, and use appropriate grammar and spelling.
• Demonstrated ability to operate normal REOC equipment such as tractors, posthole diggers, spray equipment, balers, mixers, shearing equipment, brooder stoves, heaters, milking machines, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work in barns spreading hay, shoveling manure, feeding animals and providing daily care.
• Ability to follow safety precautions and guidelines (e.g. wearing required clothing, masks, equipment, etc.).
• Ability to understand and carry out Organic Pasture Management and Forage Production Practices.
• Ability to learn and understand the IACUC protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for animal care, health, and comfort.
• Ability to travel, with occasional overnight stays.
• Ability to obtain State P-Card.
• Ability to work on holidays, weekends, and after core business hours.
• Willingness to work on a rotating schedule.
   

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Ability to carry out tasks in rough field conditions and terrain.
• Ability to bend, stoop, walk, reach, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Work occurs in barns, field plots and field site areas with exposure to wide-ranging weather conditions, hay, manure, livestock, dust, molds, pollen, allergens, insects etc. commonly encountered in agricultural settings.
• Ability to lift, push, pull or carry 50 pounds or more 
• Hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity