Join a dedicated team committed to excellence in poultry production. As a Breeder Flock Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting both contract and company-owned breeder farms, focusing on the health, productivity, and welfare of breeder and developer ducks. This position offers the opportunity to work hands-on with flocks, collaborate with farm managers and veterinary services, and contribute to the success of the breeder department. If you are passionate about animal care, enjoy working in a dynamic environment, and are looking to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural industry, this role is for you.
Responsibilities
- Advise on all production activities related to developer and breeder ducks, including placements, feed deliveries, vaccinations, movements, counting, and flock supervision.
- Provide hands-on support for selection, counting, vaccination, and movement of developer flocks within the breeder department.
- Monitor and adjust feed based on flock data to optimize production and ensure flocks reach their genetic potential.
- Conduct weekly evaluations and weigh-ins of flocks, documenting and reporting findings to management and caretakers.
- Assist with onboarding new contract farms and support their integration into company processes.
- Collect cloacal swabs quarterly and prior to processing as part of health monitoring protocols.
- Collaborate with veterinary services to address illnesses, increased mortality, and sample collection, and communicate findings to farm managers and producers.
- Gather data for accurate compensation of contract breeder and developer producers.
- Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following company standards, procedures, and legal regulations.
- Immediately report any animal welfare or food safety concerns to management.
- Report damages to company vehicles, equipment, and buildings using maintenance work order software.
- Comply with all company policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or Management.
Qualifications
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent with 2 or more years of related experience, or a Bachelor?s degree in a related field (poultry or livestock preferred).
- Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
- Valid driver?s license required.
- Ability to manage multiple locations, plan weekly schedules, and organize various activities.
- Willingness and ability to travel and cover a large geographical area as needed.
- Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision.
- Strong multitasking and prioritization abilities.
- Knowledge of animal welfare standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Proficiency with personal computers, including working knowledge of Excel and Outlook.
- Strong teamwork skills and willingness to assist others.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and comply with all company policies and procedures.
- Physical ability to walk, bend, stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds (and up to 100 pounds with assistance), drive for extended periods, and safely ascend/descend stairs.
- Comfort working with machinery or hand tools and exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.