Farm Lead

Aviagen•Elkmont, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Farm Lead helps ensure the farm operates safely, efficiently, and according to company standards. This role provides day-to-day direction to a small group of farm employees while working alongside them to complete farm duties accurately and efficiently. The Farm Lead works with limited supervision, leads by example, identifies emerging problems, and communicates with management when additional support is needed. The position involves collecting and caring for eggs; monitoring poultry health, behavior, welfare, mortality, and production; and assisting with feeding, watering, ventilation, lighting, litter management, sanitation, and other routine barn activities. The Farm Lead helps maintain the poultry house and surrounding work areas, monitors equipment and environmental conditions, supports employee training, and keeps accurate records and required documentation. Employees must follow company policies, safety procedures, biosecurity protocols, animal welfare standards, and farm-specific procedures. Work is primarily inside a poultry house and farm environment. Conditions may include exposure to dust, feathers, manure, noise, varying temperatures, cleaning chemicals, and other poultry-production conditions. Proper personal protective equipment and biosecurity procedures must be followed at all times. The work may involve extended standing and walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, lifting and carrying materials, and repetitive tasks. Flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and varying schedules, may be required as farm operations dictate.

Requirements

Previous experience working with poultry, livestock, agriculture, or in a farm environment is preferred.
Previous leadership or lead-worker experience is preferred.
Ability to work effectively with a small team and independently.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to recognize issues, address problems independently when appropriate, and escalate them to management when needed.
Strong communication skills and ability to communicate concerns clearly and promptly.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and company procedures.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
Dependable, responsible, and willing to take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Ability to work in a poultry house environment, including exposure to dust, feathers, manure, noise, varying temperatures, and other farm-related conditions.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and repetitive activities.
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and varying schedules as farm operations require.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; bend, stoop, kneel, and climb as required; and lift and carry materials associated with daily farm operations.
Ability to work in a poultry house environment for extended periods and perform repetitive egg-collection and farm-maintenance tasks.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with poultry genetics or breeder flocks.
Experience with egg collection and handling.
Experience monitoring poultry health and production.
Previous experience leading employees in an agricultural, poultry, manufacturing, or similar environment.
Basic computer skills and ability to learn company recordkeeping systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and provide day-to-day direction to a small group of farm employees.
Work alongside employees to complete daily farm duties accurately and efficiently.
Collect, handle, and care for eggs according to company standards and procedures.
Monitor poultry and promptly report concerns involving bird health, behavior, mortality, production, or welfare.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and condition of the poultry house and surrounding work areas.
Assist with feeding, watering, ventilation, lighting, litter management, sanitation, and other routine barn activities.
Monitor equipment and environmental conditions and promptly report mechanical or operational problems.
Identify problems or unusual conditions and take appropriate action within established guidelines.
Communicate with management about farm operations, employee concerns, bird health, production, equipment issues, and other matters requiring attention.
Ensure employees follow company policies, safety procedures, biosecurity protocols, animal welfare standards, and farm-specific procedures.
Assist with training new and existing employees on farm procedures and job responsibilities.
Maintain accurate records and complete required paperwork or electronic documentation.
Help ensure the farm meets company standards for cleanliness, biosecurity, egg quality, animal care, and productivity.
Work independently and prioritize daily responsibilities with limited supervision.
Support management with other farm-related duties and projects as needed.