Manager Trainee - Sonstegard Foods Company

Sonstegard Foods Company is a leading manufacturer and wholesaler of shell eggs along with powdered, liquid and frozen egg products.  We operate facilities in five states and sell our products into domestic and international markets.  We are proud that we are family owned and our employees are recognized by their name and not a number.

Manager Trainee

Sunrise Farms located near Harris, Iowa

This position is essential in the operations of our 27 layer barns.  This position reports to the Layer Manager and works closely with the Live Production General Manager, Veterinarian, Pullet Barn Manager, Pullet Barn Assistant Manager, and other managers and supervisors onsite to oversee hourly associates in the layer barns.

Essential Job Duties:

• Be a great communicator.
• Responsible for the overall care of layer birds.
• Assist in feed ration selection.
• Maintain accurate records for the weekly production reports, UEP program, and SE plan.
• Work with Layer Manager to ensure barns are clean and the timely delivery of pullets.
• Coordinate with Pullet Barn Manager on the delivery of pullets to the layer barns.
• Monitor barn data to ensure water, air, feed, manure is per schedule.
• Assist Human Resources in selection, training, and on-boarding of new employees.
• Scheduling of employees.
• Be available to be on call certain days of the week and weekends to respond to any alarms. (Must live within 25 min of the farm (ie, Hartley, Harris, Lake Park, Sibley, Melvin, Ocheydan)
• Work a rotating weekend schedule.
• Collect environmental swab samples, trachea swabs and blood testing as needed.
• Monitor employees to ensure animal welfare practices are followed & task training complete.
• Lead by example and hold employees accountable to follow strict bio-security guidelines.
• Work with QA Manager to ensure SQF requirements are being met.
• Work with maintenance when needs arise and have basic mechanical skills.
• Communicate with Plant Manager on any issues that may impact production.

Qualifications:

5 years of experience in animal production or Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, Business, or Agriculture Management desired.  Bi-lingual in English and Spanish preferred.  Knowledge of basic computer skills with Microsoft products.

Physical Requirements:

Be able to lift up to 75 pounds occasionally.