Hatchery Jockey Driver

Perdue Farms, Inc.; Salisbury (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Foods in Salisbury, MD is seeking a Jockey Driver to keep our distribution operations moving with precision and speed. You will shuttle full and empty trailers between holding areas, docks, and designated parking locations, while rotating through additional yard duties to support the team. This full-time role starts with a 2 a.m.

schedule, with overtime potential. A valid driver’s license, high school diploma, and strong reading/writing skills for accurate system entries are required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Strong reading and writing skills for accurate system entries and recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Operate jockey trucks to transfer full and empty trailers as designated by management.
• Update the Yard Management System (YMS) in real-time and conduct yard checks twice daily.
• Perform daily pre-op vehicle inspections and manage reefers in the yard.
• Maintain contact with gate, dock office, and management to coordinate trailer rotations.
• Operate equipment legally and safely per DOT requirements.
• Enter data using yard tractor computers and onboard tracking systems.
• Assist vendors and service technicians in the yard.

Skills

Safe driving

Reading & writing

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

YMS

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Join our team as a Jockey Driver and keep our distribution operations moving with precision and speed! We’re looking for a reliable, safety-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in keeping freight flowing smoothly. In this role, you’ll play a key part in shuttling full and empty trailers between holding areas, docks, and designated parking locations, helping ensure an efficient and well-organized yard. You’ll also rotate through additional departmental positions, building your skills and supporting the team wherever needed. If you’re driven, dependable, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to have you on board!

This position has a target wage of $21.12 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications. Overtime may be available.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 2am until process complete

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Expertly operate jockey trucks to transfer full and empty trailers to and from processing areas in the order designated by management.
• Update the Yard Management System (YMS) in real-time and conduct yard checks twice daily to keep the facility organized.
• Perform daily pre-op vehicle inspections, post-op cleaning, and manage settings for refrigerated units (reefers) in the yard.
• Maintain constant contact with the gate, dock office, and management to coordinate smooth trailer rotations.
• Operate all equipment in a legal and safe manner consistent with DOT requirements, including hours of service and load security.
• Utilize yard tractor computers and on-board tracking systems to enter data and track vehicle movement efficiently.
• Assist vendors and service technicians as needed within the yard.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Strong reading and writing skills for accurate system entries and recordkeeping.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Class A CDL.
• 2+ years’ experience in a distribution warehouse.
• Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Works outdoors year-round in seasonal temperatures with noise exposure of 96.2 db; light intensity of less than 5' candles.

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110db.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors 10ppm and chlorine less than 20 ppm.
• Able to stand for several hours.
• Work may include lifting (35 to 65 lbs) to heights from 5" to 84", reaching, bending, pushing boxes on conveyor assembly.
• May need to have the ability to operate standup lift for 9 plus hours.
• Work may include lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, bending, pushing boxes on conveyor assembly.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.