Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

What this job is

Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, 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, milking, 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. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.

What they do day to day

• Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies.
• Herd livestock to pastures for grazing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures.
• 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.
• Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos.
• Drive trucks, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals.
• Segregate animals according to weight, age, color, and physical condition.
• 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, or pumps.

Skills and knowledge that matter most

Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).

Education and preparation

Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.

Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.

Who this job suits

Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.

Job titles you'll see in postings

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