This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, US National Poultry Research Center, Location Support Staff in Athens, Georgia. In this position, you will be responsible for observing, handling, feeding, and caring for poultry. You will also conduct breeding or reproduction of poultry according to their physical traits.
In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example: You must have the ability to perform the duties of an Animal Caretaker without more than normal supervision (Screen Out). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. WG-04 Physical Effort Work requires lifting and carrying feed materials weighing up to 50 pounds and handling such items as feed trays weighing up to 20 pounds repetitively. WG-04 Working Conditions Work is performed inside and outside. Outside work involves discomfort having to spend long periods of time in the sun, occasionally bad weather, and exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes. May be exposed to contagious diseases. Inside work requires standing on damp concrete floors for long periods. WG-05 Physical Effort Stands, walks, or stoops for extended periods and may be required to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Heavy physical effort may be exerted occasionally. WG-05 Working Conditions Work is performed inside and outside. Outside work involves discomfort having to spend long periods of time in the sun, occasionally bad weather, and exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes. May be exposed to contagious diseases. Inside work requires standing on damp concrete floors for long periods.
Observe poultry for obvious changes of appearance and activity.
Provide standard feeds and liquids.
Lift and carry feed materials weighing up to 50-75 pounds and handles such items as feed trays weighing up to 20 pounds repetitively.
Utilize knowledge of sex/maturity, and the normal appearance and activities of poultry to recognize obvious changes such as excessive loss of feathers, fighting, or refusal to eat/drink.
Catch and handle agile animals.