Bird Handler

Paragon Poultry; Mount Joy (Lancaster County); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Overtime pay

Work schedule

Boot credit

Per diem

Company housing

Transportation

Job summary

Paragon Poultry is seeking a Bird Handler to safely manage laying hens and pullets during loading, unloading, vaccination, and depopulation. The role emphasizes humane handling, compliance with state/federal regulations, and adherence to company procedures.

The position requires standing for long periods, physical tasks, and willingness to travel out of state. You will work in a production environment with a team, following PPE and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work in a poultry production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directions and established procedures.
• Strong commitment to safety, biosecurity, and animal care.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload laying hens and pullets safely.
• Assist with poultry vaccination and depopulation activities.
• Follow company safety, biosecurity, and animal-handling protocols.
• Adhere to regulatory requirements and animal husbandry guidelines.
• Follow supervisor instructions and work well in a team.
• Wear and use PPE properly at all times.
• Adapt to different tasks and customer needs.
• Perform other duties to support poultry handling operations.

Skills

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Safety compliance

PPE adherence

Willingness to learn

Job description

Objective

The bird handler is responsible for the safe and proper handling of laying hens and pullets throughout the loading, unloading, vaccination, and depopulation processes. This position plays an important role in providing quality service to our customers, who rely on us to handle their live poultry with care and in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, animal husbandry standards, and company procedures. Proper animal handling is a critical responsibility of this position. Employees are expected to consistently demonstrate appropriate care and humane handling of all poultry entrusted to our care.

Job Responsibilities

• Load and unload laying hens and pullets safely and properly.
• Assist with poultry vaccination and depopulation activities.
• Follow all company safety, biosecurity, and animal-handling protocols.
• Follow applicable regulatory requirements and animal husbandry guidelines for the proper care and handling of poultry.
• Follow instructions from supervisors and work effectively as part of a team.
• Properly use all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Adapt to different job duties and customer needs as assigned.
• Perform other duties as necessary to support the poultry handling operation.

Requirements

• Be willing to travel out of state and overnight for jobs.
• Remain standing for extended periods of time.
• Sit, kneel, bend, reach, and work from ladders and elevated platforms.
• Push and pull loaded carts weighing up to 750 pounds.
• Lift up to 20 pounds in each hand from ground level to above shoulder/head height.
• Typical working temperatures are generally 65–75°F.
• Perform physically demanding work in a poultry production environment.
• Safely and appropriately handle live poultry throughout the workday.
• Consistently wear and properly use all company-provided PPE.
• Report to work on time and maintain reliable attendance.
• Be flexible and willing to perform a variety of tasks as needed.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude.
• Be willing to learn new tasks, procedures, and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow directions and established procedures.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, biosecurity, and proper animal care.
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and other personnel.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Effective the first day of employment
• 401(k): Eligible after 90 days, with employer matching contributions
• PTO: Starting with 10 days of paid time off
• Overtime Pay: Overtime paid for hours worked over 40 hours per week
• Average Work Schedule: Approximately 50–60 hours per week
• Boot Credit: Company-provided boot credit
• Per Diem: Per diem provided when traveling out of state
• Company Housing: Rent a room in company housing (optional)
• Transportation: Transport to and from work (optional)