Animal Caretaker

Daybreak Foods•Lake Mills, WI

About The Position

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Animal Caretaker attends to the welfare and environment of chickens while following industry animal-welfare practices and procedures. The role involves monitoring and reporting barn conditions to help ensure a safe, productive environment, as well as performing light maintenance on facilities and equipment. The Animal Caretaker observes the health and production of laying hens, checks their feed, light, air, and water, and monitors ventilation and egg flow. The position also includes documenting work, cleaning poultry-house areas and manure-belt equipment, handling bird-service activities, and operating relevant equipment and automated systems. The role follows company safety policies and procedures and may include other assigned duties.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
Must be self-directed and organized.
Ability to track and document activities using the correct forms and paperwork.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
Positive attitude and ability to work with a team.
Must enjoy working in close contact with animals.
Able to meet the physical demands of the role: stand and walk constantly; grip, grasp, push, pull, reach, bend, and stoop; lift up to 10 pounds frequently; and sit, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Able to work in an environment frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles, with temperature varying in relation to the outside temperature; personal protective equipment is required during certain working conditions.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in an agricultural environment and animal care preferred.
Working knowledge of agricultural operations preferred.
Detail oriented.
Ability to interact with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Record of good attendance with a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

Keep facility doors locked to protect chickens and premises from predators, external climate, and unauthorized personnel.
Document completed tasks daily and weekly.
Observe bird health and check the proper supply of feed, light, air, and water daily.
Collect and dispose of mortality properly.
Return chickens to the system when the lights turn off.
Walk rows of chickens and check egg lines for blockages.
Observe and complete 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 chicken houses.
Safely operate required equipment and tools.
Follow company safety policies and practices, as well as all company policies and procedures.
Demonstrate an understanding of laying-hen husbandry.
Comprehend and operate automated environmental and egg-flow computers.
Continuously monitor laying-hen health and production in the houses and report findings to the Production Manager or Supervisor.
Perform tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses, including handling bird-moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized water.
Monitor bird-service activities, including birds moving in and out, with an emphasis on animal welfare.
Perform other duties as assigned.