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Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

SOC 45-2093.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparation

Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, poultry, 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.

Context coveredDairy and beef cattle, swine, sheep, poultry, horses, aquaculture, apiaries; daily care, biosecurity, equipment, and recordkeeping in commercial production.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Daily feeding and watering routines — perform reliably under a herdsperson's direction on a commercial farm.
  2. Animal handling basics (sorting, restraint, low-stress handling) — apply consistently on assigned species.
  3. Personal protective equipment and biosecurity (boot baths, dedicated clothing) — follow without prompting.
  4. Routine pen and barn cleaning — perform on schedule with documented results.
  5. Standard equipment (milking units, automated feeders, scales) — operate safely with training.
  6. Animal-observation rounds (lameness, off-feed, distress) — conduct and report to the herd manager.
  7. Treatment-record entries — log accurately under a supervisor's verification.
  8. Routine vaccinations and injections — administer per the veterinarian's protocol with supervision.
  9. Hot- and cold-weather animal-care procedures — apply consistently on the farm.
  10. Daily-task logs and shift hand-offs — maintain to the operation's standards.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Routine herd or flock health programs — execute under the veterinarian's standing orders.
  2. Calving, farrowing, lambing, or hatching support — provide independently in routine cases.
  3. Routine repairs (gates, fences, water systems, ventilation) — perform with documented checklists.
  4. Milking-parlor operations (or aquaculture harvest, or poultry catching) — lead a shift in production.
  5. Animal-welfare standards (industry program, FARM, NCC, GAA-BAP) — apply per the operation's certifications.
  6. Junior workers and new hires — train on safety, biosecurity, and animal handling.
  7. Routine inventory (semen, vaccines, feed additives) — manage at task level under a herd manager.
  8. Standard records (DHIA, PigCHAMP, individual ID systems) — maintain accurately.
  9. Cross-task flexibility (calving, processing, equipment maintenance) — adapt with rapid retraining.
  10. Crew safety and near-miss reporting — own at the field level.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Herdsperson or farm-floor leadership — own across feeding, breeding, health, and production records.
  2. Production records and benchmarking — analyze for milk, growth, hatch, or feed-conversion improvements.
  3. Vaccination, treatment, and biosecurity programs — execute per the veterinarian's plan at scale.
  4. Major repairs and equipment overhauls — schedule and oversee with vendors and operators.
  5. Continuous-improvement projects (heat stress, mastitis, lameness, mortality) — lead with measurable outcomes.
  6. Cross-shift coordination — own across day and night crews with clear documentation.
  7. Routine audits (welfare, sustainability, certification) — host with documentation and prepared responses.
  8. Junior herdspersons and lead workers — supervise across a small team.
  9. Vendor and milk-/processor-buyer relationships — manage at routine level.
  10. Operating budgets (feed, supplies, labor) — manage at unit scale under the owner.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Production-operations leadership for a dairy, ranch, or aquaculture site — set direction across staff and animal welfare.
  2. Capital decisions (parlor upgrades, ventilation, automation) — author and defend with the owner.
  3. Major audits and certifications (welfare, sustainability, food-safety) — lead at executive level.
  4. Workforce development — own across training, certifications, and retention with HR partners.
  5. Industry forums (commodity boards, breed associations) — represent the operation.
  6. Disaster response (disease incursion, weather, equipment failure) — command across staff and vendors.
  7. Vertical-integration partnerships (processor, retailer, cooperative) — own at operational and strategic levels.
  8. Long-term reproductive and genetics programs — set across years and generations in collaboration with breeders.
  9. Safety culture and welfare ethics — institutionalize across crews.
  10. Legacy mentorship of herdspersons and farm-floor leads — institutionalize through training.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Basic sensor familiarity — reads AI-powered livestock monitoring dashboards (water level alerts, feed consumption summaries) without interpreting trends independently, escalating flagged anomalies to a supervisor WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Health indicator triage — uses AI-assisted livestock health apps to cross-reference observed symptoms (lethargy, abnormal gait, feed refusal) against alert thresholds, then applies judgment to decide whether to treat on-site or call a veterinarian Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Feed and water optimization support — enters daily consumption and headcount data into farm management software that generates AI-derived feeding schedules, adjusting inputs when animal behavior contradicts the system's recommendations WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Disease detection decision-making — interprets AI-generated health-risk scores from wearable ear-tag sensors alongside direct physical examination, retaining final judgment on treatment protocols because critical thinking in variable field conditions sits at a moderate automation boundary Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Herd movement coordination — integrates GPS-tracked herd location data from AI routing tools with real-time pasture and weather conditions to direct livestock efficiently to grazing areas, scales, or enclosures WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Record-keeping augmentation — directs AI transcription tools to log vaccination dates, medication dosages, and weight-gain readings captured during handling, then reviews outputs for accuracy before submission to the farm management system.
Advanced
  1. Precision livestock strategy — synthesizes outputs from multiple AI monitoring systems (weight-gain trajectory, feed conversion ratios, environmental sensors) to design herd management plans, identifying where automated recommendations conflict with on-the-ground conditions and overriding them with documented reasoning Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. AI tool evaluation and adoption — assesses new AI monitoring or predictive-health platforms for practical fit in ranch operations, pilots them on a subset of animals, and trains coworkers on interpreting outputs while setting protocols for when human observation must override algorithmic alerts Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Critical Thinking
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control
Sources:WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Basic livestock status report — conveys daily feed and water observations to supervisor using standard farm terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Animal health observation — describes visible signs of illness or injury in livestock to a lead worker using simple, direct language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Veterinary coordination — communicates animal health symptoms and treatment history clearly to veterinarians or farm managers to support accurate diagnosis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Equipment issue report — relays mechanical faults in feed trucks, tractors, or fencing to maintenance personnel with sufficient detail to enable timely repair Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Shift handoff communication — transfers accurate status of animal feeding schedules, health observations, and pen conditions to incoming crew members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Livestock record documentation — writes legible, accurate entries in feed logs, vaccination records, and weight tracking sheets to maintain production compliance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-crew instruction — explains livestock handling procedures, herding routes, and safety protocols to new or temporary farmworkers using clear, step-by-step directions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Label and marking communication — reads and interprets brand registrations, livestock tags, and grading documentation to ensure correct animal identification Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Operational briefing — leads pre-shift meetings to communicate herd status, health alerts, scheduling changes, and safety concerns across a diverse farm crew Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory communication — prepares and presents animal health and production records to inspectors, auditors, or veterinary officials with accuracy and professional clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Task ownership — completes assigned animal care duties such as feeding and watering independently without requiring repeated instruction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer alerting — notifies a lead worker promptly when an animal shows signs of distress, injury, or unusual behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. New worker guidance — demonstrates correct livestock handling, herding, and pen sanitation techniques to less experienced farmworkers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feed distribution coordination — organizes daily feed runs using trucks or tractors to ensure all livestock receive timely, appropriate nutrition Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Herd movement leadership — directs crew members during livestock herding to pastures, scales, or loading trucks safely and efficiently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Health response initiative — takes lead responsibility for isolating sick or injured animals, initiating first-level treatment, and escalating to veterinary care when needed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Safety protocol enforcement — holds self and crew accountable for following pen entry, equipment operation, and animal handling safety standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crew performance development — mentors farmworkers in animal husbandry skills, equipment operation, and health monitoring to build long-term team capability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Production planning leadership — takes ownership of seasonal livestock management plans including breeding cycles, weaning schedules, and market preparation timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Task reflection — recognizes when an animal care routine was performed incorrectly and identifies the specific step that went wrong Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning awareness — acknowledges gaps in knowledge about animal diseases or equipment operation and seeks guidance from experienced workers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill self-assessment — evaluates own proficiency in livestock examination techniques and identifies areas requiring additional practice or observation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Routine monitoring — notices when personal observation habits have become less thorough and adjusts attention to restore reliable health checks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Decision review — reflects on past animal health or feeding decisions to determine whether outcomes matched expectations and adjusts future practice accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge application planning — selects the most appropriate treatment, segregation, or feeding strategy by consciously matching available knowledge to current animal conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Practice refinement — systematically evaluates own livestock management strategies across seasons and implements deliberate improvements based on outcome analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship metacognition — coaches other farmworkers to recognize their own knowledge gaps in animal biology or equipment operation and supports structured self-improvement plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking10 statements
Emerging
  1. Abnormality recognition — identifies when an animal's behavior, appearance, or eating pattern deviates from normal baseline and flags the observation for review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Basic cause consideration — considers whether a sick animal's symptoms may be related to feed quality, water access, or environmental conditions before reporting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Health evidence evaluation — compares physical signs such as weight loss, lethargy, or discharge against known disease indicators to form a preliminary assessment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Equipment fault diagnosis — analyzes mechanical symptoms in feed delivery or water systems to isolate the likely source of malfunction before escalating for repair Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Feed and nutrition analysis — evaluates feed quality, quantity, and schedule against animal condition data to determine whether nutritional needs are being met Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Segregation decision-making — assesses weight, age, health status, and physical condition data to make accurate sorting decisions that support production and animal welfare goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment pathway reasoning — weighs observed symptoms, animal history, and available treatments to decide whether to administer on-farm medication or escalate to veterinary care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Risk identification — evaluates fence integrity, pen crowding, and environmental conditions to anticipate hazards before they result in animal injury or escape Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Production problem analysis — investigates systemic issues such as unexplained weight loss across a herd, recurring illness patterns, or high mortality rates by gathering and evaluating multiple data sources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Operational assumption challenge — questions established farm routines when evidence suggests current practices are producing suboptimal animal health or production outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Crew task sharing — completes assigned portion of feeding, watering, or pen cleaning duties reliably so that the overall farm team schedule is maintained Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Information passing — shares relevant animal observations with coworkers at shift transitions to support continuity of care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Herding teamwork — coordinates physical positioning and movement with other farmworkers during livestock herding to maintain safe, efficient animal flow Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Veterinary support collaboration — assists veterinarians or senior workers during health examinations, vaccinations, or treatments by safely restraining animals and preparing supplies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cross-function coordination — works effectively with feed suppliers, equipment operators, and veterinary staff to ensure farm operations run smoothly across departments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Shared equipment use — coordinates scheduling of trucks, tractors, and feed equipment with other crew members to prevent conflicts and maximize operational efficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict navigation — addresses disagreements with coworkers about animal handling approaches or task priorities in a direct, respectful manner that keeps operations on track Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team process improvement — leads collaborative review of farm workflows with crew and management to identify inefficiencies in animal care or equipment use and implement shared solutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Multi-stakeholder coordination — aligns the efforts of farmworkers, veterinarians, inspectors, and management during large-scale operations such as branding, weaning, or market shipping Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Animal welfare responsibility — performs feeding, watering, and health checks consistently and on schedule, demonstrating basic commitment to animal care obligations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Honest reporting — accurately reports animal health observations and equipment problems to supervisors without omission or exaggeration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Accountability in error — acknowledges mistakes in medication dosing, animal marking, or equipment handling and takes corrective action promptly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical animal handling — treats livestock humanely during herding, restraint, and treatment procedures in accordance with animal welfare standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Regulatory compliance integrity — adheres to livestock identification, medication withholding, and food safety regulations consistently, regardless of supervisory presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professionalism under pressure — maintains respectful, reliable conduct during physically demanding conditions such as extreme weather, animal emergencies, or high-volume production periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Property stewardship — cares for farm equipment, fencing, and facilities with the same diligence as personally owned assets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership modeling — demonstrates and enforces humane treatment, honest record-keeping, and regulatory compliance as non-negotiable standards for the entire farm crew Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Whistleblower integrity — raises concerns about unsafe animal handling practices, fraudulent record-keeping, or regulatory violations through appropriate channels despite potential professional risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Improvised problem-solving — devises a temporary solution such as a makeshift barrier or alternative water source when standard equipment or supplies are unavailable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Observation variety — tries different vantage points or times of day to improve detection of subtle animal health changes that routine checks have missed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Feed schedule adaptation — adjusts feeding routines creatively in response to changing herd sizes, seasonal conditions, or supply shortages while maintaining nutritional adequacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Animal handling innovation — experiments with alternative herding techniques or pen configurations to reduce animal stress and improve movement efficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Equipment workaround design — develops practical field repairs or operational workarounds for broken machinery that allow animal care to continue with minimal disruption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Efficiency improvement — proposes novel adjustments to daily care routines, pen layouts, or feeding logistics that measurably reduce labor time or resource waste Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. System-level innovation — designs or pilots new approaches to livestock monitoring, health tracking, or feed management that improve farm-wide productivity and animal welfare outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge transfer creativity — develops original training demonstrations, visual aids, or hands-on exercises to teach animal care skills to new farmworkers more effectively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Skill curiosity — asks questions about unfamiliar animal diseases, medications, or equipment to expand practical knowledge beyond current task requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback acceptance — receives correction on animal handling or health monitoring techniques from supervisors without defensiveness and applies the guidance immediately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Challenge embrace — volunteers for more complex tasks such as assisting with difficult births, administering injections, or operating unfamiliar farm equipment to accelerate skill development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback recovery — returns to a livestock health monitoring or equipment repair task with renewed effort after an initial unsuccessful attempt Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous learning — actively studies animal biology, production practices, and equipment operation through farm resources, training programs, or veterinary guidance to improve performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Failure analysis — examines cases of animal illness, injury, or operational error to extract specific lessons that improve future care and decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Effort investment — consistently applies full attention and physical effort to demanding tasks such as fence repair, herd movement, or disease management without requiring external motivation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mastery pursuit — seeks advanced knowledge in areas such as animal nutrition, breeding management, or aquacultural biology to expand professional capability beyond basic job requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning culture cultivation — encourages other farmworkers to view mistakes as learning opportunities and models persistence through complex or recurring animal care challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Present-task attention — maintains focused observation during feeding and watering routines to detect early signs of animal distress or supply problems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation — manages frustration calmly when animals are uncooperative during herding or medical treatment to prevent escalation of stress in the herd Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Situational awareness — tracks multiple variables simultaneously—animal behavior, environmental conditions, and equipment status—during daily care rounds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Physical safety mindfulness — maintains conscious awareness of animal proximity, footing hazards, and equipment movement to prevent injury during high-risk tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional observation — conducts systematic, unhurried health inspections of livestock, deliberately scanning for subtle changes in weight, gait, coat condition, or feeding behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-state awareness — recognizes personal fatigue or stress during extended shifts and adjusts pace or seeks support to maintain safe, attentive animal care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Environmental monitoring — sustains ongoing awareness of pasture conditions, water quality, and weather changes that may affect herd health or safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful leadership — models deliberate, calm, and attentive animal handling for the crew, demonstrating how intentional presence reduces accidents and improves herd welfare outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Operational attentiveness — maintains sustained, high-quality attention across full workdays during critical periods such as calving, lambing, or disease outbreak response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Physical persistence — completes physically demanding tasks such as manual feeding, pen cleaning, and fence repair consistently across a full work shift in adverse weather Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Discomfort tolerance — continues animal care duties in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions without abandoning responsibilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Disease response persistence — maintains thorough health monitoring and treatment routines during prolonged illness outbreaks without reducing vigilance or care quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty management — continues making sound animal care decisions during ambiguous situations, such as when disease diagnosis is unclear or veterinary support is delayed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Crisis endurance — sustains effective performance during high-stress emergencies such as mass animal illness, severe weather damage to facilities, or large-scale herd escapes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained production effort — maintains consistent quality of animal care and operational output across demanding seasonal periods such as calving season, branding, or market preparation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Repeated setback recovery — returns to animal treatment or equipment repair tasks with full effort after repeated failures without allowing frustration to compromise animal welfare Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Resilient leadership — stabilizes crew morale and operational effectiveness during prolonged crises such as disease outbreaks, drought, or economic hardship affecting the farm Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous advocacy — raises animal welfare concerns or safety violations to management despite pressure to remain silent, demonstrating sustained moral courage under professional risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Agricultural Worker · Animal Care Taker · Animal Feeder · Animal Herder · Animal Husbandry Worker · Animal Keeper · Aquaculture Worker · Aquatic Laborer · Aquatic Life Laborer · Bait Digger · Barn Hand · Barn Worker
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Critical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlActive ListeningTroubleshootingReading ComprehensionSpeakingCoordinationComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge domains
Production and ProcessingBiologyAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageMechanicalFood ProductionMathematics
Abilities
Problem SensitivityControl PrecisionArm-Hand SteadinessOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningTrunk StrengthNear VisionMultilimb CoordinationStatic StrengthFar Vision
Work styles
DependabilityStress TolerancePerseveranceAttention to DetailIntegrityCautiousness
Technology
Data base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies.
  2. Herd livestock to pastures for grazing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures.
  3. Examine animals to detect illness, injury, or disease, and to check physical characteristics, such as rate of weight gain.
  4. Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations, or arrange for veterinarians to provide more extensive treatment.
  5. Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos.
  6. Drive trucks, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals.
  7. Segregate animals according to weight, age, color, and physical condition.
  8. Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences.
CIP education codes
01.0310

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.