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
• Follow all company safety policies and practices
• 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

• Must be self-directed and organized
• Must be able to track and document all activities with correct forms and paperwork
• Must have strong communication skills so that others will understand both verbally and in writing
• Must have working knowledge of agricultural operations
• 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

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk constantly
• Grip, grasp, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, lift up to 10 pounds frequently
• Sit, climb, lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles
• Temperature varies in relation to the outside temperature
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Work in environments requiring proper personal protective equipment

Pay

The starting rate for this position is $17.33, incremental increases are earned through developing skills and qualifications.