Animal Caretaker

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect birds from predators, external climate and unauthorized personnel
• Document completed tasks on a daily and weekly basis
• Observe bird health and proper supply of feed, light, air and water daily
• Properly collect and dispose of mortality
• Place chickens back into the system when the lights turn off
• Walk rows of chickens and check egg lines for egg blockages
• Observe and complete the daily cleaning of manure belt equipment
• Sweep and clean different areas of the poultry houses
• Maintain and monitor ventilation systems to ensure proper ventilation in the chicken houses
• Safely operate required equipment and tools
• Demonstrate an understanding of laying hen husbandry
• Comprehend and operate the automated environmental and egg flow computers
• Continuously monitor bird health and production of laying hens in houses reporting findings to Production Manager/Supervisor
• Perform tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses to include handling bird moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized water
• Monitor bird service activities, i.e. birds in/out, with an emphasis on animal welfare
• Follow all company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalency preferred
• 1 year experience in agricultural environment and animal care is preferred
• Must be self-directed and organized
• Must have strong communication skills so that others will understand both verbally and in writing
• Working knowledge of agricultural operations preferred
• Must be detail oriented
• Must be able to interact with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Must have a record of good attendance with a flexible schedule
• Must have basic reading, writing, and math skills
• Must have a positive attitude and ability to work with a team
• Must enjoy working in close contact with animals