This group includes occupations concerned with breeding, raising, gathering, and caring for domestic animals and domesticated wild animals, such as cattle, sheep, dogs, buffalo, and reindeer, and collecting their products, such as milk, wool, and fur. Occupations concerned with raising domestic fowl are included in Group 411, game animals in Group 412, and lower animals in Group 413.
410.131-010 BARN BOSS (any ind.) corral boss; hostler, lot boss; stable manager.
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in maintenance of stables and care of horses: Establishes amount and type of rations to feed animals according to past food consumption, health, activity, and size of animals. Inspects animals for evidence of disease or injury and treats animal according to experience or following instructions of VETERINARIAN (medical ser.). Inspects stables and animals for cleanliness. Supervises STABLE ATTENDANT (any ind.) in upkeep of stalls, feed and water troughs, and equipment, and in care and feeding of animals. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.).
410.131-014 SUPERVISOR, ARTIFICIAL BREEDING RANCH (agric.)
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in caring for stud animals and collecting semen: Studies weight and activity records, nutritional requirements, and considers available feed, to determine feed rations. Considers animals' age, temperaments, fertility, and buyer demand to develop semen collection schedules. Observes animals for deviation in behavior and appearance, to detect illness and injury. Treats, or assigns workers to treat, ill or injured animals, or obtains services of VETERINARIAN (medical ser.), for serious illnesses or injuries. Assigns workers tasks, such as feeding animals, cleaning quarters, and maintaining facilities and equipment. Supervises workers engaged in collecting and processing semen and collects semen using artificial vagina. Analyzes semen samples using spectroscope and microscope to determine number of services possible, or supervises workers analyzing semen samples. Demonstrates artificial insemination techniques to farmers to promote use of product. Trains workers in care of studs, and collecting and processing semen. Orders supplies, such as feed and bedding. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.).
410.131-018 SUPERVISOR DAIRY FARM (agric.)
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in milking, breeding, and caring for cows, and performs lay-veterinary duties on dairy farm: Assigns workers to tasks, such as feeding and milking cows, cleaning cattle, barns, and equipment, and assisting with breeding and cleaning cattle, barns, and equipment, and assisting with breeding and health care. Inspects barns and milking parlor for cleanliness and maintenance and informs workers of actions required to insure compliance with established standards. Studies feed and milk production records to determine feed formula required to produce maximum milk yield and notifies workers of diet changes. Studies genetic and health records to develop schedules for activities, such as breeding, dehorning, and sale of calves. Schedules breeding, vaccinating, and dehorning of cows and calves. Observes cows during estrus and artificially inseminates cows to produce desired offspring. Examines cows for evidence of illness, injuries, and calving, treats illnesses and injuries, delivers calves, and engages VETERINARIAN (medical ser.) to care for serious injuries and illnesses. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.).
410.131-022 SUPERVISOR, STOCK RANCH (agric.)
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in breeding, feeding, herding, marking, and segregating livestock and in construction and repair of fences, pens, and buildings: Inspects stock, buildings, fences, fields, pasturage and feed supply, notes tasks to be done, and assigns them to crews or individual workers. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.). May be designated according to type of stock raised.
410.134-010 SUPERVISOR, LIVESTOCK-YARD (any ind.)
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in care and movement of livestock in livestock yard: Assigns workers to feed, weigh, medically treat, and transfer livestock. Observes livestock handling and issues movement and health treatment instructions to direct livestock processing and transfer. Examines livestock to determine effectiveness of disease and injury control and instructs workers to take corrective action to rectify deficiencies. Observes condition of stockyard structures and equipment and arranges for needed maintenance and repairs. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.).
410.134-014 SUPERVISOR, WOOL-SHEARING (agric.)
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in shearing sheep on contract basis: Contacts SHEEP RANCHER (agric.) to arrange terms of contract. Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises crew who shear sheep and perform related duties. Provides, sets up, and tests shearing equipment. Arranges for transportation, living quarters or campsite, food, and other accommodations for crew. Maintains time, production, and other records. Pays crew members. Performs duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.). May participate in shearing sheep.
410.134-022 SUPERVISOR, RESEARCH DAIRY FARM (agric.)
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in caring for bulls, cows, and young animal stock on research dairy farm: Demonstrates work methods of animal care, such as feeding, barn cleaning, milking, and tagging animals for identification to workers. Transports hay and grain from storage area to barn, using tractor or electric cart. Observes animals for signs of illness, injury, nervousness, or unnatural behavior. Notifies veterinarian when serious injury or illness occurs. Maintains records on medical care, breeding, and milk production. Observes living conditions of animal environment and informs workers of remedial actions to be taken. Informs maintenance crew of needed repairs on tractors and carts. May perform duties of caring for animals in absence of workers. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.).
410.137-010 CAMP TENDER (agric.)
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in tending bands of sheep on range or pasture and keeps them supplied with food and other necessities: Designates area to be used by each SHEEP HERDER (agric.). Transports food, drinking water, fuel, mail, animal feed, and other supplies to SHEEP HERDER (agric.). Observes condition of range, water, and animals, and gives directions to SHEEP HERDER (agric.) when to move to another range, reporting findings to owner of band or to LIVESTOCK RANCHER (agric.). Assists in moving camp to another location by hauling supply wagon, using horse or truck. Performs duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.). May substitute for SHEEP HERDER (agric.) during emergencies, vacations, or for other reasons. May lamb ewes and drench sheep.
410.137-014 TOP SCREW (agric.) lead rider; ramrod; top waddy.
Supervises and coordinates activities of a group of COWPUNCHERS (agric.) (colloquially called screws or waddies) riding after cattle on open range. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any ind.).
410.161-010 ANIMAL BREEDER (agric.)
Breeds and raises animals, such as cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, monkeys, rabbits, and rats: Selects and breeds animals, according to knowledge of animals, genealogy, traits, and offspring desired. Feeds and waters animals, and cleans pens, cages, yards, and hutches. Examines animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury. Treats minor injuries and ailments and engages VETERINARIAN (medical ser.) to treat animals with serious illnesses or injuries. Records weight, diet and other breeding data. Builds and maintains hutches, pens, and fenced yards. Adjusts controls to maintain specific temperature in building. Arranges for sale of animals to hospitals, research centers, pet shops, and food processing plants. May exhibit animals at shows. May be designated according to kind of animal bred and raised as CAT BREEDER (agric.); DOG BREEDER (agric.) GUINEA-PIG BREEDER (agric.); MOUSE BREEDER (agric.); RABBIT BREEDER (agric.); RAT BREEDER (agric.).
410.161-018 LIVESTOCK RANCHER (agric.) livestock breeder; livestock farmer.
Breeds and raises livestock, such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, horses, reindeer, sheep, and swine, for such purposes as sale of meat, riding or working stock, breeding, or for show; and for products, such as milk, wool, and hair: Selects and breeds animals according to knowledge of animals, genealogy, characteristics, and offspring desired. Selects pasture, range, and crop lands to graze animals and produce requirements of animals and availability of grazing land. Feeds, waters, lays out salt licks for, and grazes animals. Observes animals to detect and vaccinates animals, and engages VETERINARIAN (medical ser.) to treat serious illnesses and injuries. Attends animals during and after birth of offspring. Castrates, docks, and dehorns animals. Brands tattoos, notches ears, and attaches tags to identify animals. Milks cows and goats, shears sheep, and clips goats hair. Operates farm machinery to plant, cultivate, and harvest feed crops. Cleans and fumigates barns, stalls, and pens and sterilizes milking machines and equipment. Cools milk to prevent spoilage and packages wool and other products for shipment. Maintains and repairs farm machinery, equipment, buildings, pens, and fences. Arranges for sale of animals and products. Maintains cost and operation records. May butcher animals and cure meat. May hire and supervise workers. May exercise and train horses. May groom and exhibit animals at livestock shows. May be designated according to animal raised as CATTLE RANCHER (agric.); DAIRY FARMER (agric.); GOAT FARMER (agric.); HORSE RANCHER (agric.); REINDEER RANCHER (agric.); SHEEP RANCHER (agric.); SWINE RANCHER (agric.).
410.161-022 HOG-CONFINEMENT-SYSTEM MANAGER (agric.)
Breeds and raises swine in confinement buildings for purpose of selling pork to meat packing establishments: Selects and breeds swine according to knowledge of animals, genealogy, characteristics, and offspring desired. Regulates breeding of sow herd to produce maximum number of litters. Attends sows during farrowing and helps baby pigs to survive birth and infancy. Castrates and docks pigs. Notches ears to identify animals. Determines weaning dates for pigs based on factors such as condition of sows, cost of feed, and available space in nursery. Vaccinates swine for disease and administers antibiotics and iron supplements, using syringes and hypodermic needles. Formulates rations for swine according to nutritional needs of animals and cost and availability of feeds. Grinds and mixes feed and adds supplements to satisfy dietary requirements. Stores and periodically examines feeds to ensure maintenance of appropriate temperatures and moisture levels. Operates water foggers, air conditioners, fans, and heaters to maintain optimal temperature in swine confinement buildings. Flushes hog wastes into holding pit. Repairs and maintains machinery, plumbing, physical structures, and electrical wiring and fixtures in swine farrowing, nursery, and finishing buildings. May hire and supervise worker to assist in swine production activities.
410.357-010 MILK SAMPLER (agric.) sampler.
Collects milk samples from farms, dairy plants, and tank cars and trucks for laboratory analysis: Removes sample from bulk tanks, tankers or milking machine, using dipper or pipette, and pours sample into sterile bottles. Weighs samples, using scale. Labels bottle with origin of sample, and packs samples in dry ice. Transports samples to laboratory for bacteriological and butterfat content analysis. Contacts potential customers to explain benefits of testing program to sell milk testing service. May assist customer in interpreting sample test results to maximize benefits to customer. May maintain individual milk production records for each cow in customer's herd.
410.364-010 LAMBER (agric.)
Attends to ewes during lambing: Observes ewes to determine delivery time and assists ewes during delivery. Places ewes and lambs in pens or erects canvas tents and places lambs and ewes inside to protect from elements. Assists weak lambs in suckling. Administers artificial respiration or stimulants as needed. Skins dead lambs and ties skins over live lambs to induce ewes to adopt rejected or orphaned lambs. Feeds orphaned lambs from bottle. Feeds and waters ewes while in enclosures. Docks lambs. May castrate lambs.
410.364-010 FARM WORKER, LIVESTOCK (agric.) laborer, livestock; ranch hand, livestock.
Performs any combination of the following tasks to attend livestock, such as cattle, sheep, swine, and goats on a farm or ranch: Mixes feed such as cattle, sheep, swine, and goats on a farm or ranch: Mixes feed and additives, fills feed troughs with feed, and waters livestock. Herds livestock to pasture for grazing. Examines animals to detect diseases and injuries. Vaccinates animals by placing vaccine in drinking water or feed, or using syringes and hypodermic needles. Applies medications to cuts and bruises, sprays livestock with insecticide, and herds them into insecticide bath. Confines livestock in stalls, washes and clips them to prepare them for calving, and assists VETERINARIAN (medical ser.) in delivery of offspring. Binds or clamps testes or surgically removes testes to castrate livestock. Clips identifying notches or symbols on animal or brands animal, using branding iron, to indicate ownership. Clamps metal rings into nostrils of livestock to permit easier handling and prevent rooting. Docks lambs, using hand snips. Cleans livestock stalls and sheds, using disinfectant solutions, brushes, and shovels. Grooms, clips, and trims animals for exhibition. May maintain ranch buildings and equipment. May plant, cultivate, and harvest feed grain for stock. May maintain breeding, feeding, and cost records. May shear sheep.
410.674-010 ANIMAL CARETAKER (any ind.) animal attendant; farm worker, animal.
Performs any combination of the following duties to attend animals, such as mice, canaries, guinea pigs, mink, and dogs, on farms and in facilities, such as kennels, pounds, hospitals, and laboratories. Feeds and waters animals according to schedules. Cleans and disinfects cages, pens, and yards and sterilizes laboratory equipment and surgical instruments. Examines animals for signs of illness and treats them according to instructions. Transfers animals between quarters. Adjusts controls to regulate temperature and humidity of animals' quarters. Records information according to instructions, such as genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and license number. Anesthetizes, inoculates, shaves, bathes, clips, and grooms animals. Repairs cages, pens, or fenced yards. May kill and skin animals, such as fox and rabbit and pack pelts in crates. May be designated according to place worked such as DOG-POUND ATTENDANT (gov. ser.); FARM WORKER, FUR (agric.); HELPER, ANIMAL LABORATORY (drug, prep & rel. prod.); KENNEL ATTENDANT (agric.); PET SHOP ATTENDANT (ret. tr.); VETERINARY-HOSPITAL ATTENDANT (medical ser.).
410.674-014 COWPUNCHER (agric.) puncher; ranch rider; rider.
Performs any combination of the following duties on a beef cattle ranch to attend to beef cattle: Herds, castrates, and brands cattle. Inspects and repairs fences, windmills, watering troughs, and feed containers. Feeds cattle supplemental food during shortages of natural forage. Trains saddle horses. Rides beside horse being trained to prevent bucking horse or rider from being injured.
410 674-018 LIVESTOCK-YARD ATTENDANT (any ind.)
Performs any combination of the following tasks to bed, feed, water, load, weigh, mark, and segregate livestock: Feeds grains, hay, and prepared feed and waters livestock according to schedule. Opens gates and drives livestock to scales, pens, trucks, rail cars, and holding and slaughtering areas according to instructions, using electric prod and whip. Weighs animals and records weight. Segregates animals according to weight, age, color, and physical condition. Marks livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos. Cleans ramps, scales, trucks, rail cars, and pens, using hose, fork, shovel, and rake. Scatters new bedding material, such as sawdust and straw, in pens, rail cars, and trucks. May vaccinate, apply liniment, drench, isolate, and mark animals to effect disease control program. May make routine repairs and perform general maintenance duties in stockyard.
410.674-022 STABLE ATTENDANT (any ind.) barn worker, groom.
Cares for horses and mules to protect their health and improve their appearance: Waters animals and measures, mixes and apportions feed and feed supplements according to feeding instructions. Washes, brushes, trims and curries animals coats to clean and improve their appearance. Inspects animals for disease, illness, and injury and treats animals according to instructions. Cleans animals' quarters and replenishes bedding. Exercises animals. Unloads and stores feed and supplies. May whitewash stables, using brush. May clean saddles and bridles. May saddle animals. May shoe animals. May be designated according to animal cared for, such as HORSE TENDER (any ind.); MULE TENDER (any ind.); STALLION KEEPER (agric.).
410.684-010 FARM WORKER, DAIRY (agric.) laborer, dairy farm.
Performs any combination of the following tasks on a dairy farm: Washes and sprays cows with water, insecticides and repellents. Flushes, brushes, and scrapes refuse from walls and floors to minimize infestation. Examines cows and reports estrus, injuries, and disease to supervisor. Administers prescribed treatments and reports problems requiring veterinary attention to supervisor. Weighs, loads, mixes, and distributes feed. Replaces bedding in stalls. Herds cows from milking parlor to pasture. Loads animals to be sold onto trucks. Cleans and sterilizes milk containers and equipment and tends pumps that automatically clean milk pipelines. Milks cows by hand and using milking machine. Cultivates, harvests, and stores feed crops, using farm equipment, such as trucks and tractors. May build and maintain fences and farm facilities. May repair and lubricate equipment and machinery. May maintain data, such as breeding and cost records.
410.684-014 SHEEP SHEARER (agric.) sheep clipper; stock clipper; wool shearer.
Shears wool from live sheep, using power-driven clippers or hand shears: Places animal in shearing station. Clips wool close to hide so that fleece is removed in one piece and exercises care to sick or cut skin as little as possible. Herds shorn animal into runway leading to pen. Oils and sharpens clippers and shears. May tie fleece.
410.685-010 MILKER, MACHINE (agric.) milking-machine operator.
Tends machine that milks dairy cows: Guides cow into stanchion and washes teats and udder of cow with disinfectant. Squeezes cow's teat to collect sample of milk in strainer cup and examines sample for curd and blood. Starts milking machine and attaches cups of machine to teats of cow. Removes cups when required amount of milk is obtained from cow. Dips cups of machine into disinfectant solution after each cow is milked. Pumps milk from receptacles into storage tank and cleans and sterilizes equipment.
410.687-010 FLEECE TIER (agric.)
Folds and ties wool fleece into bundle for sacking or grading: Removes heavy tags, dung locks, and badly stained wool from fleece. Spreads fleece on floor with hide side up. Folds loose ends inside and rolls fleece into compact bundle, typing bundle with twisted wool or paper twine. Tosses bundle aside for sacking or grading. May shear sheep [SHEEP SHEARER (agric.)].
410.687-014 GOAT HERDER (agric.)
Attends herd of goats: Herds goats from corral to fresh pastures. Assists does during kidding season.
410.687-018 PELTER (agric.) skinner, pelts.
Skins small fur-bearing animals, such as foxes, weasels, mink, and muskrats, for their pelts, using skinning knife.
410.687-022 SHEEP HERDER (agric.) herder; mutton puncher; shepherd.
Attends sheep flock grazing on range: Herds sheep and rounds up strays using trained dogs. Beds down sheep near evening campsite. Guards flock from predatory animals and from eating poisonous plants. Drenches sheep. May assist in lambing, docking, and shearing. May feed sheep supplementary feed.
410.687-026 WOOL-FLEECE SORTER (agric.)
Inspects fleece for dungy locks and badly discolored areas. Segregates fleece in separate piles according to cleanliness of wool, preparatory to bundling or bagging.
Adapted from US Department of Labor DOT for Dictionary of Agricultural Occupations
Gregorio Billikopf Encina
15 November 2004