Animal Caretaker Jobs

Description

• Summary *

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Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Animal Caretaker will attend to the welfare and environment of the chickens and adhere to industry animal welfare practices and procedures. They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns where the birds reside to ensure a safe and productive environment. In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Demonstrate an understanding of laying hen husbandry
• Properly collect and dispose of mortality
• Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect birds from predators, external climate and unauthorized personnel
• Place chickens back into the system when the lights turn off
• Follow all company policies and procedures
• Sweep and clean different areas of the poultry houses
• Observe and complete the daily cleaning of manure belt equipment
• Safely operate required equipment and tools
• Document completed tasks on a daily and weekly basis
• Continuously monitor bird health and production of laying hens in houses reporting findings to Production Manager/Supervisor
• Maintain and monitor ventilation systems to ensure proper ventilation in the chicken houses
• Perform tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses to include handling bird moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized water
• Follow all company safety policies and practices
• Walk rows of chickens and check egg lines for egg blockages
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Observe bird health and proper supply of feed, light, air and water daily
• Comprehend and operate the automated environmental and egg flow computers
• Monitor bird service activities, i.e. birds in/out, with an emphasis on animal welfare

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Qualifications

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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.

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Education And/or Experience

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• High School diploma, GED, or equivalency preferred
• 1 year experience in agricultural environment and animal care is preferred

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Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

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• Record of good attendance with a flexible schedule
• Ability to interact with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Working knowledge of agricultural operations preferred
• Must enjoy working in close contact with animals
• Must be self-directed and organized
• Detail oriented
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills
• Ability to track and document all activities with correct forms and paperwork
• Positive attitude and ability to work with a team
• Strong communication skills so that others will understand both verbally and in writing

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Physical Demands

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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.

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Work Environment

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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

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of ot er employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor\'s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)