Lead Farm Operations Technician

Job Posting Information

Lead Farm Operations Technician | Raleigh, NC

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

Work Schedule:

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

Department: CVM Teaching Hospital

Posting Number: PG194840SP | Position Number:  | Position Type: SHRA

Location:

NC State University, Center for Veterinary Medicine teaching hospital facilities

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties

This position supports daily care of equines and the operations of the Reedy Creek Farm (RCF). You will work with the Farm Manager to maintain grounds, equipment, and infrastructure to support teaching, research, and animal care. The role includes staff oversight, project coordination, and facility planning within a mission-driven, hands-on agricultural and animal care environment.

You will apply practical expertise and problem-solving to keep the farm running, manage a broad inventory of equipment, and contribute to training and development of staff and students. The position suits someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in an exceptional facility, and thrives in an outdoor, team-oriented setting.

• Ensure equipment (small engines, vehicles, UTVs, tractors, etc.) is safe and reliable through regular repair and maintenance.
• Maintain facilities and grounds to present an outstanding appearance.
• Support pasture and paddock management, including rotational grazing, to meet teaching and research needs.
• Assist with facility budgets, purchasing guidelines, and documentation in appropriate computer systems.
• Coordinate, assign, and monitor multiple maintenance and construction projects.
• Evaluate and update quality assurance and safety standards for facility projects, tools, and equipment.
• Perform construction and repair tasks (carpentry, plumbing, electrical) with proper PPE.
• Carry out landscaping duties (mowing, trimming, tree removal, fertilizing).

• Act as the lead for daily operations in the Farm Manager's absence.
• Oversee daily RCF operations, including selecting, training, assigning, and evaluating maintenance staff.
• Oversee equipment operations and maintenance; ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Support teaching and research in alignment with the Primary Site Veterinarian, University Attending Veterinarian, IACUC, and EHS expectations.

• Provide basic equine husbandry (feeding, watering, stalls, pastures, 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.
• Perform duties in areas with hazardous materials or infectious agents (chemicals, pesticides, fuels, solvents, zoonotic risks).

• Ability to respond quickly across a 200-acre facility; work outside in all weather; stand, bend, kneel, and lift up to 125 lb with/without accommodation.
• Work in dusty, odorous environments and handle animal dander, hay, and cleaning agents; occasional exposure to potentially dangerous large animals.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience/

Education:

High school diploma or equivalency; some positions may require licenses/certifications. Some experience in related trades may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

• Advanced Mechanical & Equipment Operation: experience operating a varied fleet of farm equipment and performing maintenance and small engine repairs.
• Expert Equine Care & Behavioral Analysis: ability to safely catch, lead, restrain horses, perform daily husbandry, and identify signs of illness or injury.
• Facility Infrastructure & Systems Repair: basic repairs of fencing, watering devices, feeders, and minor plumbing.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  ability to lift 125 pounds with/without accommodation.
• Administrative & Digital Proficiency: basic PC skills for records management using MS Word/Excel.

• NC Driver's License required within 60 days of hire and maintained.
• NC Pesticide License or eligibility to obtain within 60 days of hire…