Cobb - Farm Crew Worker

Tyson•Deer Lodge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Poultry Farm Worker is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses and equipment, removing used litter, placing new shavings, assisting with bird movement, maintaining farm equipment, and performing groundskeeping duties. The role is based at the Tennessee Pedigree Complex in Deer Lodge, Tennessee, and reports to the Production Manager. The schedule is Monday through Friday, including holidays, with scheduled hours of 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; schedules may change based on production needs. This position works in a biosecure environment. Employees must shower and change clothing and footwear before entering the facility, avoid contact with avian species as agreed, and follow company biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines. The work involves livestock, equipment, chemicals, and wet, slippery, hot, dry, dusty, and cold conditions. Employees must follow applicable safety policies and procedures and be able to perform the physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation. Starting pay is $17.45 per hour, with additional shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends. Temporary positions start at $17.35 per hour. The posting states that full-time hires are eligible for benefits on their first day. Relocation assistance is not available.

Requirements

At least 12 months of consecutive work history with one employer and no employment gaps greater than 6 months in the past 36 months; the gap limit is 18 months for applicants who were laid off or providing child or elder care.
The employment-history requirement does not apply to applicants who have been full-time students consecutively for the last 36 months.
Rehire applicants must meet a minimum waiting period of 180 days and may have worked at Cobb/Tyson Foods no more than three times.
Must reside in the United States to be considered for an interview.
Must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid avian species, including chickens, ducks, and birds, and to sign and abide by company biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines.
Must be able to safely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly; tools such as a pallet jack may be required to occasionally lift and/or move loads up to 2,000 pounds.
Must be able to stand for most of the shift, walk, sit, handle or feel objects and controls, reach, balance, climb or use ladders, stoop or bend frequently, talk or hear, and drive within the farm complex.
Must be able to proficiently operate a trailer, tractor, skid steer, and hyster.
Must be able to work on wet and slippery surfaces and in hot, dry, dusty, wet, and cold environments, maintaining situational awareness around equipment and livestock.
Must be willing to use chemicals such as vitamin supplements, animal dye, and disinfectants, including Synergize, Lysol, and bleach.
Must use required task-specific personal protective equipment, including safety glasses or goggles, face shield, chemical gloves, waterproof apron, ear plugs or muffs, and rubber boots; NIOSH-approved N95 particulate respirators may be worn as needed.
Must follow applicable safety policies and procedures, including Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, Lockout/Tagout, and Personal Protective Equipment requirements.
Must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Previous agricultural or production experience is preferred.
Priority consideration is given to internal applicants first.

Responsibilities

Remove used litter from poultry houses; clean and disinfect houses and equipment, including vehicles and tractors, using commercial pressure washers; and place new shavings after cleaning.
Move birds to growing houses, laying or pedigree houses, or live-haul loading areas as required, and ensure wingbands are removed for birds leaving the farm.
Maintain tractors, pressure washers, litter trucks, trailers, and mechanical equipment, and complete weekly and maintenance safety checks.
Maintain housekeeping in work areas and sanitize storage areas, breakrooms, boot rooms, equipment, and vehicles.
Inspect birds for quality and progress by weighing them weekly.
Perform groundskeeping, organize breeder tags, and retrieve garbage and litter during farm cleanup.
Euthanize selected or weak or ill birds in accordance with company policy.
Assist with special or non-routine projects inside or outside the department; repair cages, pens, equipment, buildings, or fenced yards.
Follow applicable safety policies and procedures, identify and address safety risks, and use required protective equipment.
Follow facility biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines, including showering and changing clothing and footwear before entering the facility.