Ranch Lead

About the role

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. As a Ranch Lead, you will take a hands-on role in caring for and raising chickens while overseeing daily ranch operations on a company-owned farm.

This unique opportunity includes on-site housing provided for you and your immediate family, allowing you to live where you work and be fully connected to the success of the operation. With company-provided housing and basic utilities included in addition to hourly pay, this role offers a rewarding lifestyle and the chance to make a meaningful impact every day in animal care and production.

Responsibilities

• Follow Company Safety Guidelines and participate in Company Safety Programs.
• Follow all bio-security guidelines and mortality composting.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Comply with Company Policies and Procedures.
• Cull inferior injured or unhealthy birds daily.
• Maintain all required records of the flock.
• Preparation and administration of water treatments.
• Monitor and maintain rodent bait stations monthly.
• Report conditions to supervisor regularly.
• Operate power tools (heavy duty drill), weed-eaters, mowers, and tractor.
• Repair/replace defective poultry equipment.
• Prepare farm for new placement of chicks.
• Prepare farm for harvesting birds.
• Maintain and test emergency equipment.
• Lead and give direction to ranch hands.
• Be available at all hours to address alarms and on-farm emergencies.
• Walk barns frequently, checking on equipment and house conditions.
• Follow all animal welfare guidelines.
• Maintain farm conditions and records for audit readiness.
• Placing chicks in house.
• Operate house controllers for maintaining best environment.
• Adhere to all safety rules including PPE, preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures and Process Safety Management related matters.

Requirements

• High School or equivalent.
• Ability to drive a tractor and operate equipment.
• Ability to perform basic calculations in addition and subtraction.
• Ability to read and write.
• Reliable transportation.
• No close contact with domestic or wild birds.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Ability to carry out specific written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems and/or adjustments related to changing conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers and management.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

Must be able to work in chicken houses, with exposure to seasonal weather conditions outside and up to 90 degrees inside, and exposure to significant amounts of airborne dust and feathers, chicken manure and associated odors, including ammonia, especially in the production houses.

Must be able to climb a ladder up to 30’, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection as required, and carry out repetitive motions of the arms, wrists and hands.

Must be able to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds regularly, and regularly stand, walk, and climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Must have close and distance vision, ability to smell odors, and hear audible sounds.

Pay and Benefits

This position has a base rate of $26-$30 per hour, with opportunities for pay premiums, shift differentials and overtime where applicable. Annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.