Poultry Care & Barn Environment Specialist

Daybreak Foods; Martin Township (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Daybreak Foods in Michigan is seeking an Animal Caretaker to oversee the welfare and environment of laying hens, following industry animal welfare practices. You will monitor barns, report conditions, and perform light facility maintenance.

Responsibilities include securing premises, documenting tasks, observing bird health and feed/water, handling bird movement, operating equipment, and complying with safety policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
• 1 year experience in agricultural environment and animal care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect birds from predators, external climate and unauthorized personnel.
• Document completed tasks on a daily and weekly basis.
• Observe bird health and proper supply of feed, light, air and water daily.
• Properly collect and dispose of mortality.
• Place chickens back into the system when the lights turn off.
• Walk rows of chickens and check egg lines for egg blockages.
• Observe and complete the daily cleaning of manure belt equipment.
• Sweep and clean different areas of the poultry houses.
• Maintain and monitor ventilation systems to ensure proper ventilation in the chicken houses.
• Safely operate required equipment and tools.
• Follow all company safety policies and practices.
• Demonstrate an understanding of laying hen husbandry.
• Comprehend and operate the automated environmental and egg flow computers.
• Continuously monitor bird health and production of laying hens in houses reporting findings to Production Manager/Supervisor.
• Perform tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses to include handling bird moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized water.
• Monitor bird service activities, i.e. birds in/out, with an emphasis on animal welfare.
• Follow all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Monitor automated environmental computer and its control. Report deviations to Supervisor or adjust as directed.
• Monitor area where manure is stored daily and check for problems.
• Perform and assist with regular preventive maintenance such as; repairing, oiling, greasing and timing of equipment.
• Assist with tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses.
• Assist in the cleaning of houses between flocks.
• Operate skid loader as directed.
• On call for emergency assistance with alarms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Self-directed

Organized

Strong communication

Detail oriented

Team player

Animal handling

Education

High School diploma

GED

Equivalency

Job description

Daybreak Foods in Michigan is seeking an Animal Caretaker to oversee the welfare and environment of laying hens, following industry animal welfare practices. You will monitor barns, report conditions, and perform light facility maintenance.

Responsibilities include securing premises, documenting tasks, observing bird health and feed/water, handling bird movement, operating equipment, and complying with safety policies.