CLASS SPECIFICATION

Agriculture Attendant 3

Revision Date:August 2005

Classification:Agriculture Attendant 3

Unit:AESES

Hay Point Range:197 – 242

CHARACTER OF THE JOB

Incumbents perform a variety of tasks and operations associated with the barns, fields or dairy at a skilled working level. Tasks may vary with the seasons. In the absence of the supervisor, an incumbent, under limited supervision, would plan, organize and supervise the work of others, in addition to assisting in the introductory training of new employees, casual workers and/or students hired to positions at lower levels and assisting in the orientation of new employees hired at the same level. Depending on the position and the unit of work, some Agricultural Attendants are required to reside at the work site in order to provide evening or off-duty checks and to be available for emergency calls and other situations - e.g., during farrowing, calving and power outage.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operates a variety of equipment and/or machinery to accomplish certain purposes such as: specified or regular feeding, breeding, care and maintenance of cattle, sheep, swine or poultry; hauling and livestock service operations, operating farm and field machinery and equipment, including tractors, trucks, ploughs, cultivators, fertilizer spreaders, seeders, sprayers, combines, manure handling equipment, etc., to ensure land preparation, seeding, harvesting and clearing of the land; manufacturing, processing and packaging dairy products; operating weighing and feed mill equipment.
  • Carries out maintenance and skilled repairs of machinery, equipment and facilities such as: welding, oiling, greasing, replacing parts on machinery; maintaining, cleaning, servicing and assembling dairy machinery and equipment, minor carpentry/construction tasks; etc.
  • Oversees cleaning of barns, animals, milking and other equipment.
  • Maintains accurate, current records of: maintenance and servicing; produce sales; growth and development; inventory; etc.
  • Records and reports animal health condition, field plots or dairy products/by-products.
  • Performs tests of quality and take steps to ensure a proper balance of growth conditions is maintained.
  • Administers prescribed treatments as directed by individuals in professions or engaged in research.
  • Vaccinates, castrates, probes and assists in selecting animals for breeding and research trials.
  • Demonstrates techniques in animal care and other procedures to students.
  • In absence of the Agricultural Attendant 4, plans, organizes and directs daily work routines and assigns and distributes work to others.
  • Assists academic staff and students with research projects and training programs.
  • Conducts daily work in accordance with WHMIS, University of Manitoba animal care policies and transportation regulations.
  • Incumbents at this level are expected to perform those duties of junior agricultural attendants, as appropriate.
  • Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

The minimum qualifications necessary for acceptable (satisfactory) job performance are:

Level of Formal Education

An agricultural degree or diploma plus two years of directly-related experience

- or -

High school completion plus three years directly-related experience.

Experience

  • Experience with personal computers, databases and computerized record-keeping systems may be required depending on work area.
  • Experience planning, organizing and overseeing the work of others.
  • A valid Class 5 Manitoba driver=s license required. Depending on position and area of work, a valid Class 3 Manitoba driver=s license with air brake endorsement may be required.
  • An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to keep accurate records, make calculations and compile, summarize and prepare reports.
  • Good oral and written communication skills and ability to related effectively with students, staff and the general public.
  • Aptitude for operating and handling a variety of farm equipment.
  • Familiarity with WHMIS, University of Manitoba animal care policies and transportation regulations preferred.

Physical Requirements

$Lifting up to 40 kg may be required.

$Will involve shift work or weekend work on a rotating basis.

$Good dexterity and the ability to work in various positions as is required in handling and management of farm livestock and equipment.

$No allergies to livestock or plants and their products.

$Capable of performing the duties as assigned.

Agricultural Attendant 3 – Page 3

This class specification is intended to illustrate the characteristics of this classification level and should not be interpreted as a description of any one individual position within this classification level.