Tech, Live Production

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Live Production Technician travels between assigned grower farms to perform routine tests, provide poultry weights and measurements, draws fat and blood samples and vaccinates poultry flocks per set schedule. This role observes the birds’ environment and care and reports non-compliant practices/care to appropriate personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS: 

• Perform a variety of required physical well-being tests on poultry flocks at assigned farms/ locations including recording and reporting bird weight, taking fat samples, drawing blood as needed and correctly administering required vaccinations (spray and pump) according to schedule; perform work in compliance with all company and regulatory agency guidelines and Federal and State guidelines and legal requirements
• Test soles of boots following visit to poultry houses for detection of Salmonella virus; report positives to grower and appropriate company personnel Partner with Breeder Representative to develop and maintain open relationships with contract growers learning to facilitate communication surrounding company flock housing, care, and feed expectations
• Maintain feed tank inventories ordering feed and coordinating deliveries to ensure proper feed is delivered to growers in a timely manner
• Check equipment at farms, communicating issues to grower or company personnel as needed
• Monitor and observe assigned flocks for non-compliant treatment reporting animal welfare and/or farm issues to appropriate personnel
• Manage vaccine inventory including organizing, temperature monitoring and delivery to contract vaccine crews; perform quality checks following vaccine application
• Assist in moving pullets to hen houses when needed
• Follow and promote all safety initiatives helping to maintain a zero-accident culture
• Perform additional relevant duties as assigned

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• While there are no direct reporting responsibilities with this position, it is a Leader of People position with required competencies of: Strategic Agility, Business Acumen, Building Effective Teams, Customer Focus and Command Skills.

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent; Associates degree in Poultry Science, Agricultural Science or related field preferred

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Previous live poultry experience in a similar environment preferred
• Demonstrated ability to humanely handle live animals to draw blood and fat samples
• Strong mathematical calculation skills required with the ability to figure correct vaccination mixtures
• Must have good communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively communicate in English with Growers and internal and external customers in a timely and professional manner
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks while maintaining attention to detail
• Self-starter who demonstrates strong initiative and sense of urgency, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must possess a strong customer-centric attitude, high energy level and a strong sense of urgency

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

• Follow departmental and company safety policies and programs
• Wear required protective equipment in all areas where mandatory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work non-standard shifts (i.e. nights, weekends, holidays, etc.) and/or extended shifts per business need
• Ability to travel between assigned farms to perform tests as required
• Ability to work and move about outside environments in all weather conditions daily
• Ability to work around live animals and strong, associated odors
• May be required to enter confined spaces periodically