Ranch Associate

Perdue Foods aims to become the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and retail and foodservice customers globally while changing the way animals are raised for food. As part of Perdue Farms—a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business—we blend tradition with innovation. Our culture values teamwork, integrity, and respect, ensuring every voice matters and everyone contributes to shared goals. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact within the company and in the communities we serve.

About the role

As a Ranch Associate, you will maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment within our poultry barns. This hands-on position focuses on barn sanitation and cleanup, ensuring the highest standards of animal care and biosecurity. Working under general supervision, you’ll follow established procedures and contribute to daily operations supporting successful poultry production through reliable, detail-focused work.

Responsibilities

• Properly mix and administer vaccines to flocks in the field as prescribed by Grow Out management to maximize bird health and performance.
• Perform tasks such as field feed inventories, rodent bait station maintenance, temperature monitoring (thermal camera), and generator checks as directed by Grow Out management.
• Provide the Grow Out Manager with a weekly report on bird health and/or vaccination status.
• Communicate daily with Grow Out management regarding scheduling, vaccination, or producer issues.
• Pick up vaccines and supplies as needed for daily activities and coordinate vaccine inventory and usage with the Medication Department.
• Responsible for properly handling, storing, and disposing of vaccines in the prescribed manner.
• Properly care for and maintain vaccination equipment.
• Operate company vehicle safely, complying with all company policies, state, and federal requirements.
• Clean company vehicles and equipment daily and follow all appropriate biosecurity procedures.
• Comply with company requirements regarding biosecurity, food safety, and poultry welfare programs and policies.
• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Adhere to all safety rules, including PPE, preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures, and Process Safety Management matters.
• Avoid exposure to poultry outside of work.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 0-3 years of work experience.
• Good communication (oral and written), reading, math, and analytical skills.
• Must be physically able to work in chicken houses.
• Exposure to seasonal weather conditions outside and up to 95 degrees inside.
• Exposure to significant amounts of airborne dust and feathers.
• Exposure to chicken manure and associated odors, including ammonia, especially in production houses.
• Required to perform moderate physical exertion, including pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to climb to a height of 30', as well as perform significant bending, lifting, and stooping.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment as directed by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in statistics.

Pay

Base rate of $21-$23 per hour, with opportunities for pay premiums, shift differentials, and overtime where applicable. Annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

Benefits

• Medical/Rx coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match after 1 year.
• Critical illness and accident insurance.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Optional group life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability protection.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Paid time off.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm.