CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Assists with the Supervision of the animal care of the Farmstead operations. Performs routine animal care, including feeding, cleaning, animal waste disposal, health, and welfare. Assists with the maintenance of facilities. Provides educational materials and assistance to the public. Assists with record keeping and inventory control of animals on hand. Drives City vehicles and large machinery. Provides support to all areas of the farmstead. May be required to participate in Emergency Snow Operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists with coordination and supervision of seasonal employees. Schedules and assigns work of animal care attendants. Answers questions or assists with problems.

Supervises and performs animal care such as de-worming, trimming hooves, beaks and talons, and giving vaccinations and other injections as needed. Observes animals to detect illnesses and injuries. Consults with veterinarian to determine type of medication or treatment needed.

Maintains thorough and complete records on all animals to include identification, health, animals on hand, health testing records and disposal.

Assists with plans and reviews feeding schedules and amounts for all animals. Monitors animal feed supplies. Checks feed supplies; orders supplies when necessary; picks up, load and unload feed; stores feed properly to prevent spoilage and waste; prepares feed for distribution.

Assits with recruitment, hiring and training of Temporary/seasonal staff.

Acts as Supervisor in the absence of the Animal Care Supervisor.

Assists in planning new animal displays and procurement of new animals.

Assists in repair and new construction, and landscaping projects. Performs basic carpentry, plumbing, concrete and electrical work. Paints buildings and signs. Operates hand and power tools and large motorized equipment as required.

Performs general maintenance and repair of equipment. Checks fluid levels, repairs and replaces parts as required. Cleans and maintains equipment per equipment manual instructions.

Ensures a safe environment for animals, visitors, and the general public. Supervises and assists in cleaning of work areas and Farmstead facilities.

Assures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations relating to Farmstead operations, such as material data safety sheets, hazard communication programs, and permit acquisitions. Obtains continuing education through professional organizations by attending necessary training sessions and seminars.

Provides general information to public through informal and formal speaking engagements and training sessions.

Coordinates with other sectional and divisional personnel regarding equipment and personnel needs.

Performs general office duties such as answering phones, assisting general public and organizing files.

May be required to participate in Emergency Snow Operations.

The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with which interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in animal husbandry, zoology or a related field.

Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license. Must maintain an insurable driving record.

EXPERIENCE:

Two to three years of increasingly responsible experience in care and maintenance of farm and domestic animals and farm-related facilities, or an equivalent level of experience.

Experience in operation of tractor, loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks preferred.

Effective public relations skills and the ability to work with children.

SKILLS:

 Good oral and written communication skills.

 Attention to detail.

 Organizational skills.

 Basic math and accounting skills.

 Manual dexterity.

 Presentation skills.

 Good PC skills, including ability to use spreadsheets, word processing, presentation, and software applications.

 Facilitation skills.

Project management skills.

Time management skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and comprehend City, state, and federal regulations.

Ability to prioritize work.

Ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.

Ability to train and guide others.

Ability to work on several projects at once.

Ability to read and understand technical manuals on animal care,

equipment repair/maintenance and plant care.

Ability to perform basic math and apply basic accounting principles.

Knowledge of basic construction techniques.

Ability to read and understand building plans and specifications.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to learn and understand PC software applications.

Alpha and numeric recognition.

Knowledge of animal care and grooming.

Mechanical aptitude.

Ability to work in hectic environment with many interruptions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Exposure to extreme environmental conditions.

Exposure to loud noises.

Exposure to heights.

Ability to work in confined spaces.

Ability to distinguish smells.

Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Ability to operate various hand and power tools, such as router, drill circular saw, shovel, rake, hoe, hand mower, weed eater, rototiller, chain saw, power pruner, and leaf blower.

Ability to operate City vehicles and large equipment, such as truck, front-end loader, skid loader riding mower, tree spade, and backhoe.

Ability to speak to individuals or groups for an extended period of time.

Ability to restrain animals ranging in size from rabbits and eagles to bison.

Ability to administer animal vaccinations and perform routine care of animals.

Visual acuity to identify animal variations and abnormal conditions.

Exposure to chemical, fumes, dust, smoke, sprays, fogs, and mists.

Ability to operate various office equipment such as copier, printers, and personal computer.

SEE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

Direct and Indirect: Part-time, temporary and volunteer employees.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.