Farm Associate I

Aviagen North America; Pleasant Hope (MO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviagen is seeking a Farm Associate I to care for birds and ensure welfare across our poultry facilities. The role includes egg collection, grading, and data recording, with duties spanning from barn maintenance to working with hatchery chicks.

Expected to perform in a fast-paced farm environment and handle live poultry daily. Applicants should be prepared for physical tasks, be able to lift up to 50 lbs, and work weekends/holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• Ability to understand oral and written instructions and perform simple tasks.
• Required basic skills - reading, writing and arithmetic.
• Ability to stand for long periods (8 hrs or more) - flexible schedule.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs or more.
• Animal husbandry experience preferred but not required.
• Work around live animals and in dusty/damp environments.

Responsibilities

• Gather eggs and grade eggs according to category, size and condition.
• Transfer egg flats to the egg cooler room and assist in washing eggs; maintain sanitary conditions.
• Maintain and record eggs and collect data as instructed.
• Monitor poultry house conditions and troubleshoot feed lines, drinkers, fans, and barn appearance.
• Monitor health of the flock and record mortality.
• Work with day-old chicks in the Hatchery Facility and relocate birds as needed.

Skills

Animal care basics

Reading & following instructions

Manual labor capacity

Job description

Job Description Summary

This role plays a critical part in overall success of the farm operations within the Aviagen suite of Poultry farms. The Farm Associate I, has primary responsibility for the animal care and welfare of the birds within the facility.

Job Description

• May work up to 6 days a week, including weekends and holidays Gather eggs in a manner that prevents excessive breakage Grade eggs according to category, size and condition.
• Transfer egg flats with eggs from the barn to the egg cooler room and record the number of eggs collected and assist in washing eggs and maintain sanitary conditions in the egg wash room/cooler room
• Maintain and record eggs and or gather proper data as instructed
• Maintain poultry house living conditions by monitoring and troubleshooting issues with feed lines, drinkers, fans and barn appearance etc.
• Monitor and document the health of the flock and or mortality
• Clean out houses and rebuild bird pens as needed
• Transfer up to 50 lbs of feed and maintain feed in all feeders according to trial requirements and ensure all birds can access the feed Will be required to collect birds for moving or weighing
• Work with day old baby chicks within the Hatchery Facility.
• Additional duties may include set eggs, collect eggs, transfer eggs and disinfecting of the facility
• Ability to work in a poultry processing plant - Live hang poultry, use cutting instruments to de-bone and or cut poultry as trained for proper data collection
• Ability to work with chemicals such as detergents, disinfectants, etc.
• Must perform essential duties in a safe and efficient manner as trained
• Must be able to perform manual tasks in extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Must follow Animal Care Standards, Animal Welfare Guidelines and Bio-Security policies and procedures
• Must be able to work in dry, dusty, damp and or wet environment
• Must be able to work with live animals and the associated environment
• Must be able to, on a routine basis, handle and interact with live poultry
• Must be able to be around farm related smells or foul odors and loud/noisy environment
• Must be able to work in an environment with substantial dust circulation

Job qualifications and physical requirements

• Ability to understand oral and written instructions and perform simple tasks.
• Required basic skills - reading, writing and arithmetic Ability to perform work that is repetitive in nature Ability to stand for long periods of time (8 hrs or more - must have a flexible work schedule) Ability to grip, grasp or twist using hands and wrists.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs or more Bend and stoop repetitively throughout the shift Animal husbandry experience preferred but not required.

USA Benefits

• Aviagen provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the healthcare and financial well-being of our employees.
• Aviagen offers medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of Plan documents.
• Additionally, you will be eligible for company observed paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on your hire date.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the Country of Specified Job Location at hire and must maintain authorization to work in that Country throughout their employment with our company.

EEOC Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Aviagen

We play a leading role in feeding the world's future generations.

We bring smart, passionate people together and watch amazing things happen!

Working at Aviagen presents career opportunities that impact an industry.

We encourage people to bring their experience and knowledge and help work on complex issues that will shape the future of the poultry industry.

In an environment that promotes innovation and progressive approaches to problem solving, Aviagen is working today to be ready for what tomorrow may bring.

Are you ready for the adventure?