Farm Lead
Aviagen · Elkmont
Job Description Summary:
Job Description:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and provide day-to-day direction to a small group of farm employees.
- Work alongside employees to complete daily farm duties and ensure work is completed accurately and efficiently.
- Collect, handle, and properly care for eggs according to company standards and procedures.
- Monitor poultry throughout the workday and promptly report concerns involving bird health, behavior, mortality, production, or welfare.
- Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and overall 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 report mechanical or operational problems promptly.
- Identify problems or unusual conditions and take appropriate action within established guidelines.
- Communicate effectively with management regarding 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 proper 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 overall productivity.
- Work independently and prioritize daily responsibilities with limited supervision.
- Support management with other farm-related duties and projects as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience working with poultry, livestock, agriculture, or in a farm environment preferred.
- Previous leadership or lead-worker experience preferred.
- Ability to work effectively with a small team while also working independently.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to recognize issues and know when to address a problem independently and when to escalate it to management.
- Strong communication skills and the 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and climb as required.
- Ability to lift and carry materials associated with daily farm operations.
- Ability to work in a poultry house environment for extended periods.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks associated with egg collection and farm maintenance.
Work Environment
This position is primarily performed inside a poultry house and farm environment. Employees may be exposed to dust, feathers, manure, noise, varying temperatures, cleaning chemicals, and other conditions associated with poultry production. Proper personal protective equipment and biosecurity procedures must be followed at all times.
Overall Objective
The Farm Lead is responsible for helping ensure the farm operates safely, efficiently, and according to company standards. This individual should be capable of working with minimal supervision, leading by example, identifying problems before they become larger issues, and communicating effectively with management when additional support is needed.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.