About Alabama A&M University :

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is the primary outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, dedicated to delivering research-based educational programs designed to empower individuals to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

ACES has 67 county offices, nine urban centers, six research and extension centers, and more than 40 video conferencing sites across the state.
Programs and activities support and promote individual well-being, professional and organizational development, social and cultural enrichment, economic opportunity, and regional development.
Employees have tremendous support from the resources at Alabama A&M and Auburn University.
ACES professionals enjoy widespread community support where they live and work.

Job Description:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work that is to be performed in the identified position. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified as other duties may be assigned.

Summary:

The Lead Goat Program Technician role is to coordinate daily goat research farm operations and maintenance duties, under the direction of the project team consisting of extension specialists, researchers, from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University and the AAMU College of Agriculture, Life and Natural Sciences' (CALNS).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in the preparation of the site to establish extension and research demonstration study at the Alabama A&M Winfield Thomas Agriculture Research Station (WTARS) as part of implementation of USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant No 2022-38821-37257 "Breeding for Sustainable Control of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Meat Goats".
• Coordinate sourcing of materials and inputs required for setting up the infrastructure for demonstration plot establishment
• Conduct daily checks to guarantee the animals are fed hay or supplements when needed and supplied with mineral and potable water; oversee the welfare of the animals, checking for signs of internal parasitism, set up electrical fences for moving/relocating the herds around the pastures based on forage availability.
• Report to the project team any sign of animal illness or threats to their welfare; assist the team with day-to-day issues and challenges regarding the management of the animals.
• Assist in keeping records of project management activities and collection of data necessary for scientific project analyses.
• Help to coordinate and execute activities during field days and other training events on sustainable meat goat browsing management.
• Assist with other aspects of the project and/or related extension and research activities aimed at achieving measurable project outcomes.

Working Environment:

• The project will maintain 40 hours in a 7-days' work week for goat farm management. Hence, evening and weekend work and split shifts are sometimes required.
• Work time will include evenings and weekends, often on short notice, as necessary to meet operational, project, and deadline needs.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Work with graduate and undergraduate students and senior project personnel for data collection. Vacation availability will be limited during peak project periods.
• Valid Alabama driver's license to transport animals on campus, to and from campus, and to off-campus facilities.
• Animals will be housed in an outdoor area that is exposed to environmental matter and subject to extreme weather. The technician will be expected to work under these conditions that include uneven terrain, poisonous plants, harmful insects, venomous snakes, and other dangers associated with being in any forest or open field.

Requirements:

Minimum Position Requirements (including years of experience, certifications, licenses, etc.):

• High school diploma or equivalent. A Bachelors' degree in Animal Science or other related fields is desirable, but not required.
• Demonstrated experience in farming and experience with animal handling, and basic animal care practices like hoof trimming, FAMACHA scoring, fecal sampling, drenching are preferred.
• Two years of experience managing goats or other livestock species.
• Must reside within 30-minute travel to Winfield Thomas Agriculture Research Station in Hazel Green, AL due to project needs, at times may be called to work with minimal notice.
• Must possess a valid driver's license to drive animals on and off campus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic proficiency in using spreadsheet software and other computer software packages
• Knowledge of data collection and record keeping.
• Able to apply medications, demonstrate the ability to differentiate healthy from unhealthy animals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage farm tools and equipment.

Additional Information:

SALARY: This is a grant funded position, the salary available is based on the available grant funds included.

Contact: Please contact Cynthia Canfield, Extension Human Resources Manager (clc0129@aces.edu) with questions about this position.

Salary: $26000 - $30,000 plus fringe and benefits that commensurate with education and experience

CLOSING DATE:

ACES is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Alabama A&M University encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

Application Instructions:

Application instructions:

All candidates, both internal and external, must complete the following for consideration:

An online employment application
AND

Utilizing the attachment option, please attach all of the following documents for consideration:

• Letter of interest/Cover Letter
• Current resume

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