Agriculture Specialist I - Livestock - Coffield Unit (039687)

About the position Responsibilities • Assists in the general care and accountability of livestock; and oversees livestock program operations. • Assists in producing, processing, and distributing livestock, livestock feed rations, and livestock commodities; and assists in breeding and in preventive medical treatment of livestock. • Oversees the operation of agricultural machinery; and assists in construction, repair, and maintenance of agricultural facilities. • Assists in maintaining inventory of materials and supplies. • Maintains security of tools, machinery, and equipment; responds to emergency situations; searches for escaped inmates; transports assigned inmates; and performs various correctional and custodial functions. • Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed. Requirements • Graduation from an accredited senior high school or equivalent or GED. • Must have or be able to obtain a Texas Department of Agriculture Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator's license within six months of employment date. • Selected applicants without required license(s) must sign a Credential Contingency Agreement that will remain in effect only until the initially established expiration date. Failure to comply with this contingency statement will result in separation from employment. • Credential Contingency Agreements will not be extended or renewed as a result of an employee's separation from employment or acceptance of another position. • Must maintain valid license(s) for continued employment in position. • Knowledge of livestock management methods and techniques to include safe and effective handling, feeding, and maintaining animal health. • Knowledge of agricultural facilities construction and repair methods and procedures. • Knowledge of pesticides and application practices and procedures. • Knowledge of production and safe handling of various livestock commodities. • Knowledge of feed production and inventory control practices and techniques. • Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely. • Skill to follow guidelines in the management of livestock operations. • Skill in the construction and repair of agriculture facilities to include pens, fences, cattle guards, and sheds. • Skill to train others. • Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs and ladders, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry 45 lbs. and over, perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor equipment. Nice-to-haves • Experience in livestock production, livestock production agriculture programs, crop production, crop production agriculture programs, or farm equipment management preferred. • Knowledge of agency and departmental organizational structure, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations preferred. • Knowledge of purchasing procedures preferred.