Production Lead

Daybreak Foods; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Daybreak Foods in Michigan is seeking a Lead Animal Caretaker to oversee a section of houses under the supervision of the Production Supervisor. You will guide Animal Caretakers, monitor bird health, and ensure feed, light, air and water quality daily, while upholding safety policies.

The role emphasizes team leadership, training, and aligning daily tasks with production goals, including handling birds and maintaining equipment. Previous experience in poultry care is preferred.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of poultry husbandry and farm operations.
• Ability to lead teams and train staff.
• Proficient in basic MS Office and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a section of houses and ensure animal health and welfare.
• Direct Animal Caretakers and monitor work quality.
• Train new staff and conduct annual training.
• Move birds using handling equipment and coordinate with supervisor.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Problem recognition

Time management

MS Word/Excel basics

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical Training

Tools

Windows-based systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Under the direction of the Supervisor, oversees the performance of a section of houses while supporting Animal Caretakers. Will communicate directly with the Supervisor regarding issues involving the designated area.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures animal health and welfare by performing regular inspections of houses. Continuously monitor bird health and body weights of pullets in houses reporting findings to Pullet/Production Supervisor
• Assure chickens have proper supply of feed, light, air and water daily
• Demonstrate a complete understanding of poultry husbandry including chick brooding, nutrition, vaccinating, necropsy, and blood work
• Provides direction to Animal Caretakers. Answer employee questions, help with problems and oversee work for quality and guideline compliance
• Assist Supervisor in training of new employees and annual training
• Lead and perform tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses to include handling bird moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized water. Notify supervisor of issues.
• Coordinates preventative maintenance and daily operations between animal caretakers and Production Supervisor to reduce or minimize production interruptions and maximize efficiencies.
• Ensures all company safety practices, policies and procedures are being followed by all employees as prescribed by Management.
• Respond to alarm/emergency calls when they occur
• Inventory and document supplies needed for their section.
• Ensure safe working conditions by inspecting and monitoring work areas, tools, and equipment
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Technical Training (required)
• 1-2 years' experience in Animal Caretaker job tasks and safety.
• 1-2 years' experience in Windows based systems and software required.
• 1-2 years' experience in Microsoft Office applications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The ability to lead teams
• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated skill to manage one's own time.
• Demonstrated skill to monitor and assess the performance of yourself, other individuals, and the organization to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Intermediate computer skills in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel beneficial.

Physical Demands

Stand and walk constantly; grip, grasp, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, lift up to 10 pounds frequently; sit, climb, lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles. Temperature varies in relation to the outside temperature. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Proper personal protective equipment will be required during certain working conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.