People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Farm & Outreach Coordinator

  • Title: Farm & Outreach Coordinator
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 3

Job Summary

Under the direction of management, the Farm & Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the farm operations at the Rock Creek Campus and provides outreach activities. Directly supports the Veterinary Technology (Vet Tech) Program through the purchase and care of farm animals required by the program, coordinating support activities, and by working with students to enhance their learning. Develops agronomic activities that provide farm learning experiences for students. Maintains and restores the College farm and adjacent natural areas. Responsible for feeding and caring for farm animals, and repairing and maintaining the housing and environment for those animals. Interpersonal contacts extend to College staff and faculty, students, the public, vendors and external agencies. Incumbent is a key contributor and is responsible for results or services that facilitate the work of others in a specific work group.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. In collaboration with the Dean and VT Program, makes decisions on pursuing animal breeding activities. Organizes and coordinates animal breeding activities while adhering to the College’s standards. Works with the Vet Tech Program staff on these activities to minimize on-call support.
  2. In collaboration with the Dean, Vet Tech Program and other College programs and departments, develops and coordinates partnerships with organizations to leverage farm resources for trainings, events, workshops, etc. Works with contract teams to develop any required contracts.
  3. Coordinates the acquisition and sale of farm animals with Vet Tech Program attending Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Dean and in adherence with pathway and College asset management policies and documentation requirements.
  4. In partnership with other College program staff, VT program staff, and the Program Dean, creates innovative ways of incorporating farm resources and activities into course and program outcomes (e.g environmental science, landscaping, art, etc.). Conducts farm tours for PCC classes, K-12 classes, homeschool groups, and other entities. Expands and/or supports Community Education, CEU, and academic non-credit class offerings.
  5. Provides daily feeding, husbandry, and basic medical care of all farm animals in accordance with animal care standard as outlined in the Animal Care Standards and Expectations document, including: handling, dehorning, hoof trimming, feeding, obstetrics, and administering medical procedures under the direction of the attending veterinarian (e.g., drawing samples, administering medications, using medical apparatuses, performing palpation); identifies and transports excess stock to auction and coordinates timely disposal of animals in accordance with college policy.
  6. During College closures due to inclement weather, provides care and feeding for the Veterinary Tech Lab animals, dogs, and cats.
  7. Performs various farm operations and maintenance of farm-specific spaces, including mowing, string trimming, fixing farm fences, cow and sheep floor cleanouts; maintenance, cleaning, and repair of horse stalls and paddock and general cleaning; maintenance of the barn and storage buildings; general pasture management including leveling, planting, fertilizing, mowing, weeding, and reseeding.
  8. Coordinates farm and animal supply purchases and yearly equipment maintenance for all farm equipment including small vehicles and tractors. Assists with the creation of purchase orders.
  9. Communicates updates with the Dean, VT program staff, other College faculty/staff, and outside partners
  10. Maintains farm records including herd health, asset management documentation, budget tracking tools, and inventory tracking tools.
  11. Coordinates large animal use for Vet Tech lab classes and assists with instruction of Vet Tech large animal labs.
  12. Hires, trains, schedules, and oversees casual farm employees.
  13. Attends Vet Tech Team Meetings, Vet Tech Advisory committees, and other Vet Tech Program meetings. Serves on IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) and participates in USDA inspections. Participates in Vet Program accreditation as needed.
  14. Participates in special projects to support the College and the Veterinary Technology Program as needed.
  15. Stays abreast of current trends in agriculture methodologies.
  16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is often performed in a variety of settings, often a lab or outdoor environment, caring for animals.  Work hours vary with the season and requirements of the farm, livestock and programs. Evening and weekend work may be required. Requires occasional physical effort such as lifting, digging, handling of large animals and extensive walking/standing.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in Animal Science, Agriculture or related discipline. Five (5) years of experience working with farm animals including cattle, sheep and horses; and operating and performing minor troubleshooting of farm equipment, specifically tractors in various applications including bailing, and planting, harvesting and maintaining various field crops.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) regulations;
  • US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations;
  • Program coordination principles and practices;
  • Computers and applicable programs and software;
  • Hiring and lead practices;
  • Safe laboratory operational procedures.

Skill in:

  • Handling multiple priorities simultaneously;
  • Caring for animals;
  • Identifying and resolving problems;
  • Program evaluation and continuous program improvement;
  • Working collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders;
  • Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to:

  • Practice strong time management;
  • Coordinate multiple projects concurrently and work with minimum guidance and direction;
  • Communicate effectively and timely in oral and written forms;
  • Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and third-party contractors.

Revised: 10/2023

Replaces: Farm Coordinator/Veterinary Tech Support

Portland Community College is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.