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 for the SAGE / Equine program, students, horses, and specific projects, courses, events, and activities occurring at the Equine Arena. Work in cooperation with the Malone Farm Manager, Gustafson Farm Manager/Equine Supervisor 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:

• 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

PAY GRADE: 11
WORK HOURS: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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 Malone 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/Equine Supervisor 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 and Gustafson Farm.
• Cooperate with other instructors to coordinate lab activities and classes involving horses.
• Assist students with experiential learning activities as directed Administration and Faculty.
• 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 I 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 vegetable 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.

• High School diploma/GED with 1-year relevant experience in plant and soil sciences, horticulture, animal science or a related field.
• BS degree in agricultural related field (animal sciences, plant and soil sciences) preferred.
• A minimum of 1 (one) year experience in the following:
  • General livestock/equine management
  • Riding/stable management.
  • Tractor and equipment experience preferred.
• 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.

• A Valid Driver's License
• Must be able to lift, push or pull 50lbs(feed baqs / hay bales)
• Must be able to safely and effectively work with and around livestock animals of all kinds
• Must be able to work in all types of weather/weather conditions

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley — the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU’s academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.