Lead Farm Operations Technician

Overview

Posting Number: PG194840SP

Position:
Lead Farm Operations Technician

Department: CVM Teaching Hospital, Raleigh, NC

Anticipated Hiring Range: $55,000 - $59,500

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday 7:30 am-4:30 pm with rotating holidays

Internal Recruitment:
No

Posting Date: 01/30/2026 | Earliest Close Date: 02/06/2026

This position plays a key role in supporting the daily care of equines and the overall operations of the Reedy Creek Farm (RCF) facility. Working in close partnership with the Farm Manager, you will help ensure that the farm’s grounds, equipment, and infrastructure are maintained to a high standard to support teaching, research, and outstanding animal care. This role also contributes to staff oversight, project coordination, and facility planning—offering a meaningful opportunity to be part of a mission‑driven, hands‑on agricultural and animal care environment.

You will use practical expertise and problem‑solving skills to keep the farm running smoothly, manage a broad inventory of agricultural equipment, and contribute to the training and development of staff and students. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety in their work, takes pride in maintaining an exceptional facility, and thrives in an outdoor, team‑oriented setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure that small engines, vehicles, UTVs, tractors, and other equipment remain in safe, reliable working condition through regular repair and maintenance.
• Maintain facilities and grounds so they remain in excellent condition and present an outstanding appearance to the public.
• Support pasture and paddock management—including rotational grazing—to meet the teaching and research needs of the farm.
• Assist the Farm Manager with preparing and monitoring facility budgets; follow purchasing guidelines and use appropriate computer systems for documentation.
• Coordinate, assign, and monitor multiple maintenance and construction projects simultaneously.
• Evaluate and update quality assurance and safety standards for facility projects, tools, and equipment.
• Perform construction and repair tasks—including basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work—while using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Carry out a variety of landscaping duties such as mowing, trimming, tree removal, and fertilizing.

• Serve as the acting lead for daily operations in the Farm Manager’s absence, ensuring continuity of all farm functions.
• Assist in overseeing daily RCF operations, including selecting, training, assigning, and evaluating animal care and maintenance staff.
• Oversee equipment operations and maintenance, and implement changes needed to remain compliant with local, state, and federal regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Support a teaching and research environment in alignment with the mission and expectations of the Primary Site Veterinarian (PSV), University Attending Veterinarian (UAV), IACUC, and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

• Provide basic equine husbandry when needed, including feeding, watering, cleaning stalls, maintaining pastures and dry lots, and assisting with safe horse handling.
• Catch, lead, and restrain horses safely for medical and instructional procedures.

• Work in a secure teaching and research facility and participate in required Medical Surveillance procedures in accordance with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Perform duties in areas where hazardous materials or infectious agents may be present (e.g., chemicals, pesticides, fuels, solvents, zoonotic risks).

Note:

This is a physically demanding position. Requirements include the ability to respond quickly to horses across a 200‑acre facility, work outside in all weather, and lift up to 125 lb with or without accommodations. May involve bending, kneeling, standing, and exposure to dust, odors, and cleaning agents; occasional handling of potentially dangerous large animals.

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require…