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Title: Beef Herd & Sheep Flock Unit Supervisor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Agriculture
Campus Location: ISU Farm located in Lexington, IL

Job Summary

The main duties of this position are the management of the Beef Herd and Sheep Flock. Support with research projects and production at the Illinois State University Farm and within the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University is a requirement. This position will assist with duties related to the sheep flock and the Waste Treatment Center/Compost site.

Additional Information

The University Farm in Lexington, IL is home to 50 to 100 beef cows – birth to market, 45 to 80 head of ewes – birth to market, 80 to 120 sows – farrow to finish, 440 acres of crop production, a waste treatment center and 13-acre composting site. Approximately 300,000 tons of compost are available to use for crop production and is for sale to the public. Along with the 440 acres farmed in Lexington, there are 165-acres in Normal, IL.

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/ 

Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$20.24 per hour

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Possession of a valid Illinois vehicle operator’s license.
*NOTE: Must acquire a Class C Non-CDL Driver's License within the first five (5) months of employment

3. Any one or combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the categories below:
A. Coursework in agriculture, animal science, crop science, environmental science, or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
- 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
B. General agricultural experience as appropriate performing general animal, livestock or related farming duties.

4. A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Beef Quality Assurance Certification
2. Pork Quality Assurance Plus Certification
3. Sheep Quality Assurance Certification.
4. Certified Livestock management Training.
5. Other related certifications and/or trainings.

Work Hours

Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. Overtime including Holidays expected.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Ability to lift up to 120 pounds.
2. Ability to push/pull 100 pounds.
3. Ability to climb, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach overhead.
4. Year-round outdoor exposure, exposure to dust associated with livestock and grain operations, exposure to livestock waste/odor.
5. Ability to gain access to all areas of the farm.

Proposed Starting Date

April 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Reference List

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Transcripts - See Special Instructions to Applicants section for additional options
Certification of Retirement Annuity

Please Note: These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are using college or university coursework to qualify for this position, then transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.

To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Breanna Crippen
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois.

A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.

Must acquire a Class A Non-CDL Driver's License within first five (5) months of employment for this position.

Contact Information for Applicants

Breanna Crippen
Human Resources
309-438-8315
bcplese@ilstu.edu 

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.