Career & application guide

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

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What do first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers do?

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Animal Research Facility Supervisor
  • Cattle Manager
  • Farm Supervisor
  • Fish Hatchery Manager
  • Harvesting Supervisor
  • Hatchery Manager
  • Logging Crew Foreman
  • Logging Supervisor

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
  • Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
  • Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
  • Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
  • Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
  • Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
  • Treat animal illnesses or injuries, following experience or instructions of veterinarians.
  • Train workers in spawning, rearing, cultivating, and harvesting methods, and in the use of equipment.
  • Train workers in techniques such as planting, harvesting, weeding, or insect identification and in the use of safety measures.
  • Confer with managers to evaluate weather or soil conditions, to develop plans or procedures, or to discuss issues such as changes in fertilizers, herbicides, or cultivating techniques.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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