Agriculture Specialist IV - Livestock - Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Logistics Division - Ellis Unit (030119)

I. JOB SUMMARY

Performs advanced agricultural work in a correctional setting. Work involves planning and 
coordinating livestock operations; planning agricultural activities to meet production goals and 
schedules; and supervising the work of others. Works under minimal supervision with considerable 
latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

A. Plans and coordinates livestock program operations and activities; inspects livestock operations, 
reviews reports, and approves requisitions for supplies and equipment; and advises 
management of livestock production statistics and problems and prepares related reports.

B. Establishes and coordinates time management schedules for livestock employees and inmates; 
and ensures efficient use of inmate labor and employee time resources.

C. Supervises the work of others; and develops and implements training programs for employees 
and assigned inmates.

D. Maintains security of tools, machinery, and equipment; responds to emergency situations; 
searches for escaped inmates; transports assigned inmates; and performs various correctional 
and custodial support functions.

* Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education, Experience, and Training

1. Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by 
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the United States Department 
of Education (USDE). Major course work in Agriculture or a related field preferred. Each 
year of experience as described below in excess of the required one year may be 
substituted for thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis.

2. One year full-time, wage-earning experience in livestock production or livestock production 
agriculture programs.

3. Experience in the supervision of employees preferred.

4. Must have or be able to obtain a Texas Department of Agriculture Non-commercial 
Pesticide Applicator’s license within six months of employment date. 
 
Selected applicants without required license(s) must sign a Credential Contingency 
Agreement that will remain in effect only until the initially established expiration date. Failure 
to comply with this contingency statement will result in separation from employment. 
Credential Contingency Agreements will not be extended or renewed as a result of an 
employee’s separation from employment or acceptance of another position.
Must maintain valid license for continued employment in position.

B. Knowledge and Skills

1. Knowledge of animal health, feeds and feeding, and livestock breeding programs.

2. Knowledge of pasture management to include pasture rotation, fertilization, and herbicides.

3. Knowledge of pesticides and applications and procedures used with livestock.

4. Knowledge of feed production and inventory control practices and techniques. 

5. Knowledge of agricultural machinery and livestock equipment.

6. Knowledge of agency and departmental organizational structure, policies, procedures, 
rules, and regulations preferred.

7. Skill in the construction of agricultural facilities to include pens, fencing, cattle guards, 
sheds, and livestock handling facilities.

8. Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely.

9. Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the 
public.

10. Skill to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

11. Skill in problem-solving techniques.

12. Skill to prepare and maintain accurate records, files, and reports.

13. Skill to supervise the work of others.

IV. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

A. Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend 
repeatedly, climb stairs, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, 
alphabetize, lift and carry 45 lbs. and over, perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate 
motor equipment.

B. Conditions include working inside and outside, working around machines with moving parts and 
moving objects, working around moving objects or vehicles, radiant and electrical energy, 
working closely with others, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours, excessive 
heat, cold, humidity, dampness and chill, dry atmosphere, pesticides, dust, grease, oils, slippery 
or uneven walking surfaces, fumes, smoke, gases, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane.

C. Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing only the essential functions include 
computer and related equipment, calculator, copier, fax machine, telephone, farm implements, 
hand tools, livestock equipment, dolly, tractors, and automobile.

Please note that applications submitted via handwritten forms, email, mail, or fax will not
be accepted. Your job application must be completely filled out and include all
employment, do not limit employment to the past 10-15 years. Your application must
contain complete job histories, which include job titles, name of employer, dates of
employment, supervisor’s name and phone number, and a description of duties
performed, and whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week. If any of this
information is not provided, your application may be rejected as incomplete
If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our
interview process, please inform the hiring representative who contacts you to schedule
your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time
to consider and respond to your request.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

*Outside applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug testing as a
condition of employment.*

Questions regarding this posting may be directed to:

Shelbie Morrow
Human Resources Headquarters
2 Financial Plaza, STE 600
Huntsville, TX   77340
PH (936) 437-4106
EMAIL [email protected]

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

Military Crosswalk Guide - Prepared by the State Auditor's Office

Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions

The State of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the
provision of services. You may make copies of this application and enter different
position titles, but each copy must be signed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of
applications, unless specifically stated in the job vacancy notice.