Animal Caretaker - Vincent North

Starting rate: $17.33 per hour; incremental increases are earned through developing skills and qualifications.

About the role

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Animal Caretaker will attend to the welfare and environment of the chickens, adhering to industry animal welfare practices and procedures. They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns to ensure a safe and productive environment, and perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment.

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, including handling bird moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized water
• Monitor bird service activities (e.g., birds in/out) with an emphasis on animal welfare
• Follow all company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalency preferred
• 1 year of experience in an agricultural environment and animal care is preferred
• Self-directed and organized
• Ability to track and document all activities with correct forms and paperwork
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Working knowledge of agricultural operations preferred
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to interact with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Record of good attendance with a flexible schedule
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills
• 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, and stoop frequently
• Lift up to 10 pounds frequently
• Sit, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

Work Environment

• 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
• Proper personal protective equipment will be required during certain working conditions