Summary

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

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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High School diploma, GED, or equivalency preferred
1 year experience in agricultural environment and animal care is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must be self-directed and organized
Ability to track and document all activities with correct forms and paperwork
Strong communication skills so that others will understand both verbally and in writing
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, stoop, lift up to 10 pounds frequently; sit, climb, 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.

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

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Animal Caretaker