Description:
Attend to live farm, ranch, or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas.
Tasks
- Feed and water livestock; and monitor food and water supplies.
- Drive trucks, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals.
- Examine animals to detect illness, injury, or disease, and to check physical characteristics, such as rate of weight gain.
- Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations; or arrange for veterinarians to provide more extensive treatment.
- Mix feed, additives, and medicines in prescribed portions.
- Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences.
- Move equipment, poultry, or livestock from one location to another, manually or using trucks or carts.
- Clean stalls, pens, and equipment, using disinfectant solutions, brushes, shovels, water hoses, and/or pumps.
- Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos.
- Herd livestock to pastures for grazing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures.
Knowledge
- Administration and Management
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Customer and Personal Service
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Biology
- Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Production and Processing
- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- English Language
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Food Production
- Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Mechanical
- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Public Safety and Security
- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Sales and Marketing
- Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
- Instructing
- Teaching others how to do something.
- Active Listening
- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Equipment Maintenance
- Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Speaking
- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Coordination
- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Monitoring
- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Time Management
- Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Equipment Selection
- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Service Orientation
- Actively looking for ways to help people.
Abilities
- Problem Sensitivity
- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Control Precision
- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Oral Comprehension
- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Static Strength
- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- Deductive Reasoning
- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Near Vision
- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Expression
- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Multilimb Coordination
- The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- Speech Clarity
- The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Work Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Work Context
- Face-to-Face Discussions
- How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
- Exposed to Contaminants
- How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
- Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
- How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
- Structured versus Unstructured Work
- To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
- Work With Work Group or Team
- How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
- Time Pressure
- How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
- Spend Time Walking and Running
- How much does this job require walking and running?
Interests
- Realistic
- Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional
- Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Investigative
- Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Enterprising
- Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
- Artistic
- Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
- Social
- Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Work Style
- Dependability
- Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Integrity
- Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Cooperation
- Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Attention to Detail
- Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Independence
- Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Self Control
- Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Initiative
- Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Leadership
- Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Concern for Others
- Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Work Value
- Support
- Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Relationships
- Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Independence
- Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Working Conditions
- Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Achievement
- Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
- Recognition
- Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Related Occupations
- Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
- Animal Breeders
- Nursery Workers
- Forest and Conservation Workers
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
Common Lay Titles
- Animal Care Taker
- Animal Feeder
- Animal Herder
- Animal Husbandry Worker
- Animal Keeper
- Aquaculture Worker
- Aquatic Laborer
- Aquatic Life Laborer
- Artificial Breeding Distributor
- Bait Digger
- Barn Hand
- Barn Worker
- Bee Keeper
- Bee Robber
- Bee Tender
- Bee Worker
- Beekeeper
- Bottler
- Breeder Hen Service Technician
- Breeding Technician
- Broodmare Barn Groom
- Brush Cutter
- Buccaro
- Caponizer
- Care Taker
- Castrator
- Cattle Alley Worker
- Cattle Brander
- Cattle Care Worker
- Cattle Dehorner
- Cattle Dipper
- Cattle Driver
- Cattle Feeder
- Cattle Sprayer
- Chick Room Supervisor
- Chicken Catcher
- Chicken Dresser
- Chicken Handler
- Chicken Hatchery Helper
- Chicken Picker
- Chicken Tender
- Chicken Vaccinator
- Chopper
- Chore Tender
- Chore Worker
- Chute Man
- Cow Puncher
- Cow Rider
- Cow Tender
- Cow Washer
- Cowboy
- Cowpuncher
- Dairy Farm Worker
- Dairy Farmer
- Dairy Farmworker
- Dairy Feed Worker
- Dairy Hand
- Dairy Worker
- Dairyman
- Debeaker
- Dipper
- Ditch Cleaner
- Ditch Digger
- Ditch Rider
- Ditch Tender
- Ditcher
- Dude Wrangler
- Egg Gatherer
- Egg Setter
- Exercise Rider
- Farm Hand
- Farm Helper
- Farm Laborer
- Farm or Ranch Animal Caretaker
- Farm Rancher
- Farmer
- Farming
- Farrowing Worker
- Feed Grinder
- Fence Builder
- Fence Erector
- Fence Installer
- Fence Post Driver
- Fence Rider
- Field Aide
- Field Broomer
- Field Hand
- Field Handyman
- Field Hauler
- Field Worker
- Firebreak Cutter
- Fish Farm Laborer
- Fish Hatchery Assistant
- Fish Hatchery Man
- Fish Hatchery Worker
- Fish, Frog, or Oyster Farmer
- Fleece Tier
- Frog or Oyster Farmworker
- Game Farm Helper
- General Farmer
- Goat Herder
- Groom
- Groomer
- Hand
- Handyman
- Hatchery Attendant
- Hatchery Employee
- Hatchery Helper
- Hatchery Laborer
- Hatchery Man
- Hatchery Worker
- Hay Buckler
- Hay Stacker
- Herder
- Herdsman
- Hired Hand
- Hired Help
- Hired Man
- Hired Worker
- Hog Handler
- Honey Extractor
- Horse Groomer
- Horse Wrangler
- Horses or Mules Teamster
- Hose Sprayer
- Husbandry Person
- Incubator Machine Operator
- Incubator Operator
- Incubator Tender
- Inoculator
- Insemination Worker
- Kennel Worker
- Laborer
- Lamber
- Land Clearer
- Lead Rider
- Line Rider
- Livestock Caretaker
- Livestock Farmer
- Livestock Farmworker
- Livestock Feeder
- Livestock Handler
- Livestock Laborer
- Livestock Ranch Hand
- Livestock Yard Attendant
- Loader
- Machine Egg Washer
- Machine Milker
- Milk Bottler
- Milk House Worker
- Milker
- Milking Machine Operator
- Milking Worker
- Milkman
- Mule Driver
- Mustanger
- Pack Mule Worker
- Pen Rider
- Pole Setter
- Portable Track Line Marker
- Portable Trackman
- Poultry Cleaner
- Poultry Culler
- Poultry Debeaker
- Poultry Dresser
- Poultry Farm Laborer
- Poultry Farmer
- Poultry Farmworker
- Poultry Hatchery Laborer
- Poultry Hatchery Man
- Poultry Picker
- Poultry Pinner
- Poultry Service Technician
- Poultry Tender
- Poultry Vaccinator
- Poultryman
- Ranch Hand
- Ranch Helper
- Range Rider
- Rat Poisoner
- Rat Trapper
- Rider
- Sheep Herder
- Sheep Shearer
- Shepherd
- Shrimp Pond Laborer
- Silo Filler
- Soft Crab Shedder
- Sorting Cows Worker
- Sorting Livestock Worker
- Sow Farm Barn Technician
- Spooner
- Stable Attendant
- Stable Cleaner
- Stable Hand
- Stable Helper
- Stallion Keeper
- Stock Driver
- Stock Feeder
- Teamster
- Truck Driver
- Turkey Egg Gatherer
- Turkey Picker
- Turkey Pinner
- Vaccinator
- Vaquero
- Wage Hand
- Wool Sacker
- Worm Farm Laborer
- Worm Packer
- Worm Picker
- Wrangler
- Yard Worker