Chicken Farmer/ Feedmill Operator

Harper Creek Agro Corp. • Full-time • Canada • USD $ 25 - USD $ 35 / hour • 1m ago

Job Posting: Full-Time Broiler Barn & On-Farm Feedmill Worker

Employer: Harper Creek Agro Corp

Location: 26435 Township Road 713, Crooked Creek, Alberta (near DeBolt; rural Peace Country, approx. 6–10 km from DeBolt)

Type: Full-time, permanent

Schedule: Approximately 160 hours per month (averaging 40 hours/week), paid monthly. Core work is weekdays, but includes occasional evening barn checks or short weekend shifts as needed (e.g., during grow-out or emergencies). On-call expectation for urgent issues (e.g., equipment/heating/ventilation problems) – preference for applicants living in/near Crooked Creek or DeBolt communities to minimize response time.

Compensation: Starting wage ~$25/hour, up to $35/hour depending on experience and competence. No overtime pay or production bonuses at this time. Statutory holidays paid at 8 hours (basic rate only; no time-and-a-half if working the day). Health benefits available after 6 months.

Start Date: As soon as possible – willing to train the right fit.

About the Operation: Harper Creek Agro Corp is a family-operated farm (husband/wife owners) running three broiler chicken barns (total capacity 44,000 birds) and a small on-farm feedmill producing all feed needs. We follow an all-in/all-out cycle: same-day chick placement, 37-day grow-out to market weight, full barn shipment in one night, then clean-out, wash-up, and prep for the next batch (new chicks every ~8 weeks). This provides variety – focused flock care during grow periods, then maintenance, repairs, and improvement projects during batch breaks. The chicken side operates mostly solo, with shared lunch/coffee space alongside grain-side employees. We prioritize quality workmanship, excellence animal husbandry, and good stewardship.

The Role: Hands-on, independent position handling daily flock care, feed production, barn environment control, maintenance, and occasional heavy tasks. Your attention to detail, initiative, and problem-solving directly affect bird health, feed quality, and farm efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Daily flock monitoring and health assessment (spotting illness early, managing mortalities, recording observations).

Operating/adjusting barn controllers (ventilation, temperature, water/feed systems).

Mixing feed in the on-farm feedmill (recipe/usage calculations, inventory management).

Routine barn duties: litter management, feeder/waterer checks, biosecurity, mortality management.

Cleaning barns/equipment between batches (skid-steer, shoveling, sweeping, pressure washing).

Equipment troubleshooting, basic repairs/fabrication, and maintenance.

Operating small machinery (skid-steer, tractor) for feed/manure/materials.

Basic electrical tasks (e.g., wiring plugs/cords).

Accurate math for medication ratios, consumption tracking, feed formulations.

Clear communication: prompt issue reporting, help requests, updates, advance notice for time off.

Required Skills & Qualities

Strong attention to detail and pride in quality work.

Excellent communication – timely, honest, proactive.

Self-motivated; comfortable working alone for extended periods.

Positive attitude through less pleasant tasks (manure handling, dust, odors, dead bird removal).

Curiosity to learn animal husbandry, disease management, and improvements.

Solid math skills (ratios, proportions).

Basic computer skills for controllers/feedmill interfaces.

Animal observation skills for early illness detection.

Mechanical aptitude: maintenance, basic fabrication/repairs.

Ability to operate skidsteer/tractor and perform basic electrical work.

Physically fit – able to carry buckets, lift, shovel, work in varying conditions (dust, heat, cold, odors).

Valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required (no housing provided).

Experience
Poultry, livestock, farming, feedmill, mechanical, or machinery experience is a strong asset. We’ll train motivated candidates with the right attitude and transferable skills.

Training & Probation
Hands-on training during the first batch cycle (~8 weeks), which serves as a mutual probation period to ensure a good fit.

What Makes This Job Rewarding

Working with adorable day-old chicks and seeing them thrive all the way through to market weight.

Work variety across the cycle – intense care, then project-focused breaks.

Solving real challenges (e.g., equipment fixes under pressure).

Direct impact on animal welfare and farm operations in a small, dedicated family team.

PPE provided (disposable gloves, boots, masks/respirators as needed). General tools supplied; employees encouraged to carry a good multi-tool. Work boots and suitable workwear required (your own).

To Apply
Send your resume and a brief cover note including: