Farm Manager

Plans, supervises, and participates in the management and maintenance of farm/agricultural activities in support of the instructional programs at Los Angeles Pierce College.

Supervises and participates in daily farm/agricultural operations which include: Soil preparation, planting, irrigation, cultivating, harvesting, and storing of hay and other forage crops.

Selection, caring (including preventative and routine herd health practices and administering medial treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian), feeding, breeding, sale, and disposal of livestock including beef, horses, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, and llamas.

Operation and maintenance of farm/agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities.

Organizes, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned farm/agricultural employees.

Develops and implements work methods and procedures of all phases of farm/agricultural operations, including animal health and welfare.

Develops long-term and short-term plans for the farm/agricultural operations and recommends changes and improvements in farm/agricultural operations, staffing, facilities, and equipment.

Coordinates with the department chair and instructional staff to support the needs of the instructional program.

Coordinates the activities of students participating in farm/agricultural operations as part of their educational program.

Coordinates farm/agricultural operations off-site.

Conducts orientation and training sessions for farm/agricultural workers, students, and volunteers assigned to the farm/agricultural units.

Periodically inspects farm/agricultural buildings, grounds, and equipment to identify safety and sanitary hazards problems and initiates immediate or preventative maintenance measures.

Assures adherence of farm/agricultural operations to Federal, State, and local laws and regulations concerning human and animal health, safety, and sanitation.

Implements security measures to prevent theft and vandalism.

Develops an annual budget and makes requisitions for supplies and equipment as needed.

Maintains records and production reports on farm/agricultural activities and issues fiscal reports on farm/agricultural activities and budget expenditures on a regular basis.

Coordinates the use of farm/agricultural facilities for special events, tours, and film crews.

Maintains strong community relations with the public.

Performs related duties as assigned.

A Farm Manager plans, supervises, and participates in the management and maintenance of agricultural activities that support the instructional program at Los Angeles Pierce College.

A Senior Agricultural Technician applies a working knowledge of the agricultural sciences while acting in a lead capacity with responsibility for overseeing and participating in the daily operation of farm/agricultural units that supports an instructional program which includes instructional assistance, animal care, crop production, and facilities and equipment maintenance and repairs.

An Agricultural Technician applies a working knowledge of the agricultural sciences in performing the full range of duties related to the day-to-day operations of farm/agricultural units which includes instructional assistance, animal care, crop production, and facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.

A General supervision is received from a classified or academic administrator. General supervision is exercised over lower-level Agricultural staff, student employees, and volunteers.

Knowledge of:

Farming/agricultural principles and methods and their application to diversified farm/agricultural activities

Selection, nutrition, care, breeding, sanitation, and disease control of meat and fiber animals, poultry, horses, and dairy cattle

State and local laws and regulations related to animal care, crop production, and farm/agricultural operations

Agronomy

Basic veterinary care

Agricultural waste disposal

Marketing of agricultural products

Principles of public relations

Maintenance and operation of farm/agricultural equipment and machinery

Arboriculture and wildlife management

Health and safety laws and regulations applicable to farm/agricultural operations and product sales

Safety requirements for handling hazardous or toxic materials

Sustainable agricultural practices

Principles of supervision and training

Basic principles of budget preparation and maintenance

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware common to farm/agricultural operations

Ability to:

Manage farm/agricultural operations in conjunction with an instructional program

Develop plans for farm/agricultural operations and make recommendations on improvements

Supervise, coordinate, and schedule the work of assigned staff

Train others in farm/agricultural operations related activities

Effectively communicate orally and in writing

Give clear and concise instructions

Interpret and apply rules and regulations related to farm/agricultural operations

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, students, vendors, and the community

Analyze situations correctly and take effective action

Evaluate work methods and performance

Meet schedules and time lines

Prepare accurate reports

Keep accurate records

Effectively utilize computer equipment in the performance of duties

Learn specialized computer applications

Education and experience:

A. A bachelor's degree from a recognized four-year college or university with a major in animal science, agricultural science, agribusiness, or a closely related field AND one year of full-time paid farming experience which included responsibility for livestock and agricultural operations.

OR

B. An associate's degree from a recognized college or university with a major in animal science, agricultural science, agribusiness, or a closely related field AND three years of full-time paid farming experience which included responsibility for livestock and agricultural operations.

OR

C. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND five years of full-time paid farming experience which included responsibility for livestock and agricultural operations.

OR

D. Any equivalent combination of A., B., and C. above.

Special:

A valid California Class "C" driver's license. Travel to locations throughout the District may be required.

A valid California Class "A" driver's license may be required within 60 days of employment.

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• At least 15 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
• Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview.

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about his or her ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, he or she should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.