Dayshift Live Hanger

Pilgrim's • Natchitoches, LA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Live Hanger works on Pilgrim’s poultry production team, firmly inserting both feet of live chickens into moving shackles using tools, including knives, manual labor, and provided equipment. The role includes placing birds into the sixth shackle, catching and rehanging birds hung by only one leg, and, for the first hanger, moving the belt forward to bring birds in. Work must follow USDA and company standards, operating procedures, and production and quality expectations.

This hands-on role operates in a fast-paced production environment. Team members may perform duties in other production areas as needed, including cage dumping and loading, moving trailers, keeping the floor clean and removing dead birds, providing hanger breaks, and cutting the throats of birds missed by the kill machine. The position requires teamwork, attention to detail, equipment monitoring, and adherence to safety, food safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare guidelines.

Requirements

• Ability to multitask and work quickly.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to comprehend simple instructions and apply common sense.
• Ability to work as part of a team and work close to other employees at some stations, less than three feet apart.
• Ability to work in hot or cool temperatures depending on the weather outside.
• Ability to stand and use hands for 8–11 hours per day.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Poultry or food industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process poultry products using tools, manual labor, and equipment according to USDA and Pilgrim’s standards.
• Firmly insert both feet of each chicken into moving shackles; catch and rehang birds hung by only one leg when assigned to the sixth shackle.
• Move the belt forward to bring in birds when assigned as the first hanger.
• Monitor equipment operation and promptly report malfunctions or safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow safety, food safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare guidelines.
• Support team members by sharing skills and knowledge and promoting a positive work atmosphere.
• Participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet production and quality goals.
• Work in different production areas as needed, including cage dumping, yard jockey duties, floor relief, back-up killing, and cage loading.

Benefits

• Vision, medical, and dental coverage beginning after 60 days of employment.
• Paid sick leave, vacation, company-observed holidays, or other statutorily required paid leave where applicable.
• 401(k) with company match beginning after the first year of service, subject to the company vesting schedule.
• Continuous learning opportunities and learning and development programs supporting professional and career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED