Farm Worker - WVU Keyser

Potomac State College (WVU Keyser), part of the West Virginia University system of campuses, located in Keyser, WV is seeking applications for a Farm Worker.

About the Opportunity

This position will assist in supervision at the Gustafson Farm and Equine Facility; grounds and pasture, students, horses, livestock, specific projects, courses, events, and activities. Will work in cooperation with the Molone Farm Manager, Gustafson Farm Manager and Director of Farm Operations to perform / oversee daily animal welfare checks and perform daily feeding operations, or other duties as required.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

• Assist in the maintenance, animal husbandry and wellness at the Gustafson Farm and Equine Facility.
• Assist in all daily duties at the Molone Farm as needed.
• Assist in managing student labor and student involvement in operations/farm production at the Gustafson Farm and Equine Facility in conjunction with the Gustafson Farm Manager and Director of Farm Operations.
• Assist in managing student labor and student involvement in operations/farm production at the Molone Farm in conjunction with the Molone Farm Manager and Director of Farm Operations.
• Assist in preparing the arena, horses and other duties associated with beginner and advanced riding classes.
• Assist with proper record keeping, and inventory for the Equine Facility, Gustafson Farm, and the Molone Farm.
• Cooperate with other instructors to coordinate lab activities and classes involving horses.
• Must be able to manage themselves physically and safely around large livestock and horses. This includes the ability to remove and prevent themselves from potentially unsafe or precarious situations that comes with working with animals.
• Assist students with experiential learning activities as directed Administration and Faculty.
• Provide the making, mixing and delivery of daily feed for PSC livestock, general labor, fence installation, crop management (soil preparation, seeding, harvesting, etc.).
• Operate tractor(s) and equipment as needed and will assist in the general maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Maintain regular communication with PSC farm staff to obtain information in which to make decisions and to inform them of planned activities.
• Maintain a safe and educational workplace for all students and visitors to the farm and will also perform periodic assistance as needed on the PSC Gustafson, Malone, and Deremer Farms, and Equine Arena as needed.
• Work in conjunction with the Farm Managers to carry out daily operations associated with agricultural production at the Gustafson, Malone and Deremer Farms, if needed. Specific duties include feeding and assisting in numerous livestock enterprises on all PSC Farms, equipment operation / repair/ maintenance, crop production, animal husbandry, pasture and nutrient management, record keeping, planting in greenhouse, and general farm work / labor and maintenance.
• Assist in farm work as needed, such as; ground preparation, planting, pest control, harvest, processing and sale of Potomac State College crops in conjunction with farm and production managers.
• Assist with tours at the Equine Facility and Gustafson Farm as needed, and tours involving recruitment activities like Discover Days at PSC.

Pay Grade: 11

Work Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One (1) of general livestock and equine management experience, riding experience and stable management a plus.
• 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

• Applicant must be able to work safely around small and large livestock and be able to manage inexperienced students to prevent and minimize accidents while working in a farm environment.
• Applicant must be able to effectively communicate verbally, personally and via email as needed.
• This position is carried out in an educational environment, and this individual must foster and maintain a positive disposition and working environment at all times.
• The applicant must be organized, assertive and display qualities of a manager and team-player.
• Ability to operate a truck and trailer, as well as a tractor a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree in agricultural related field (animal sciences, equine, plant and soil sciences)

• Valid driver's license

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.