Broiler Field Service Technician

Shenandoah Valley Organic, LLC; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Shenandoah Valley Organic, LLC seeks a technical resource to share expertise on poultry farm facilities, equipment, and medication options to improve production. The role supports hatchery operations and processing through knowledge of poultry farming and related processes.

The successful candidate will inspect farms, advise on development programs, and ensure adherence to government regulations and company standards to enable upgrades and quality production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Proficient written and verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Inspect farms for compliance with standards and advise farmers on development programs.
• Tour facilities for sanitation and efficiency assessments.
• Evaluate chicken health and growth to assess medication and feeding programs.
• Recommend changes to facilities, equipment, and medications to improve production.
• Inform farmers about procedures, regulations, and standards to meet requirements.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

English proficiency

Written communication

Reading & interpretation

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

High School Diploma or GED required

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

SMART devices

Job description

The role will be a technical resource who provides and shares expertise on changes in farm facilities, equipment, and medication options to improve production, based on knowledge of poultry farming, hatchery operations, and processing.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Inspects farms for compliance with contract and cooperative agreement standards and advises farmers regarding development programs to aid in producing quality poultry products.
• Tours farms to inspect facilities and equipment for adequacy, sanitation, and efficiency of operations.
• Examines chickens for evidence of disease and growth rate to determine the effectiveness of medication and feeding programs.
• Recommends changes in facilities, equipment, and medication to improve production.
• Inform farmers of new procedures and techniques, government regulations, and company and association production standards to enable them to upgrade farms and meet requirements
• Recommends laboratory testing of diseased chickens, feeds, and supplements or gathers samples and takes them to plant laboratory for analysis.
• Report to management findings of farm conditions, laboratory tests, recommendations, and farmer's reaction and their efforts to furnish quality products.
• Initiating corrective/preventive and continuous improvement opportunities and actively participate in developing, implementing, and verifying corrective/improvement actions.
• Responsible for Production and Down Time entry.
• All other related duties as assigned by Management.

Knowledge/Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred High School Diploma or equivalent GED certificate required.
• Any combination of experience, education, and training will provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required for the job.
• Proactive team building and relationship building, including the ability to work individually and as a team member.
• Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, SMART devices, and internal Company programs/ applications).
• Proficient math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, common fractions, and decimals).
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communications.
• Proficient skills in reading, writing and speaking the English language.
• Read, analyze and interpret general business procedures, work instructions, training materials, professional, etc.
• Attention to detail.
• Effective problem solving, resolution skills, and ability to exercise good judgment.
• Demonstrated customer services skills, ability to relate effectively and tactfully with all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to and demonstration of high ethical standards governing professional behavior and interactions.
• Ability to adapt effectively to workplace changes and new job duties and responsibilities.
• This position may require employees to operate Company provided vehicle or their own personal vehicle to conduct work-related business and therefore requires a valid driver's license, clean DMV record, and current vehicle registration.
• Must be able and willing to work safely, including wearing and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regularly use a telephone/cell phone, computer (including keyboard), SMART devices, email, and/or fax for necessary communications.
• Required to stand, walk and sit for extended periods of time.
• Maybe routinely required to stoop, bend, kneel, lift and reach, in the performance of job duties.
• Requires the essential use of hands, speech, eyesight, and hearing.
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision, peripheral and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus as needed. Must possess color vision.
• Lifting limitations for this position: 50lbs. on a regular basis.
• Noise level for this work environment is typically low to moderate.

Other Requirements

• May need to physically move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• Must have fine hand and finger dexterity.
• Positive attitude, good judgment, and excellent time management skills.
• Must be willing to participate on the audit team or safety committee.
• Must comply with all safety rules and instructions, participate in the Company training programs, and make every effort to learn, develop, and upgrade skills required for this job classification.