Poultry Care Technician I at Kreher Farm Fresh Eggs

JOB SUMMARYThe primary objective of the Poultry Care Technician I is to monitor various animal husbandry aspects of the pullets and laying hens, including vaccination program maintenance and monitoring; scheduling and monitoring sampling needs to maintain various certifications; and assisting in monitoring and assessing results of any internal trials that may occur.  JOB RESPONSIBILTIESStrategic and tactical work for which this position is accountable:The responsibilities may be shared or divided among multiple Poultry Care Technicians. It is the responsibility of a Poultry Care Technician I to:Maintain weekly flock records along with weekly visits to each assigned barn such that pertinent flock information can be gathered and relayed to Director of Poultry Health each week.Perform regular vaccine audits at each location on regular basis, perform any training refreshers to vaccination crew that may be neededMay include participating in vaccinating process or mixing vaccineMonitoring and recording pox vaccine takes and other pertinent vaccine administration informationHelp coordinate receipt of sampling supplies (in conjunction with Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance)Prepare and distribute serology blood draw supplies, verify receipt, and lab submissionMaintain serology results in developed databaseCoordinate Salmonella testing kit orders with the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center Lab to ensure timely arrive for our needsVerify receipt, distribution, and submission of the required samples to the laboratoryWeigh birds, draw blood, collect bursa, conduct SE tests, post birds and fill in as needed to ensure that all samples/tests are completed.Ensure that all regulatory paperwork is collected for each flock in a timely manner such that each flock record is always kept up to date and complete.Collect and update fly count records for assigned farm(s).Perform routine internal audits of assigned: layer and pullet houses, external facility, and feed mills.Help update and distribute monthly production sheets and all related paperwork associated with assigned tasksFeed targetsBarn recordsBarn cleaning and water testing protocolsNew flock sheets and recordsBarn fill sheets and feed and light schedulesComplete water monitoring SOPs at each location on a predetermined basis.Assist in the monitoring, recording, and reporting results for ongoing in-house trial work, including but not limited to:OPGsEnrichmentsFeather scoresAscaridsAssist with layer and pullet house health and wellness:Posting birdsF – check feed, feedersL – check lights, light readings, day lengthA – air quality (ammonia), ventilation, humidityW – water, water quality, water readingsS – sanitation (overall cleanliness of house)Bird health, bird behavior, weights of birds, weights of eggs, ensuring that all paperwork is being done properly.Weekly flock records and analysisTraining of caretakers (requirement of American Humane)Fill in for Poultry Care Attendants as needed.Participate in annual certification audits and the required paperwork for these audits as necessary. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESCapabilities and traits essential to perform satisfactorilyPerform job duties independentlyManage time to be able to complete all job-related tasks without direct supervisionIntermediate computer skills working with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, etc.)Data analytical skillsComplete Poultry Care Attendant training EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEAssociates degree in animal science or related field or equivalent work experience in animal production setting required.Minimum of two years of experience in animal production setting or in the veterinary field. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTThis position is mobile in nature requiring moderate to high energy levels and occasional physical exertion. There is exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, temperature changes, agricultural noise and hazards usually accompanied by visits to agricultural facilitiesMay require significant driving time as duties will be fulfilled at all locationsMay require a lot of walking and exposure to poultry house environment and pullet and laying hensMust be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES NECESSARY FOR POULTRY CARE TECHNICIAN IAble to work under limited supervisionContinuous improvement mindsetHas the ability and desire to be a very effective trainerExcellent communication skills and emotional intelligence to teach and influence contract producersFlexible and adaptable to changing priorities and work situationsShows a desire to learn more about poultry science and animal welfareProven record of good time management skills and paperwork organizationHas an excellent understanding of the vaccination program and equipment used and can train house management on assigned site(s) proceduresCompetency of good inventory management practicesHas a basic understanding of feed mill operationsShows leadership when working around others with less leadership skillsTakes initiative to learn more and take on more responsibilityHas outstanding attendance and reliability This is a Full-time position and you will report to the Director of Poultry Health. Please submit your application online by clicking APPLY TO THIS POSITION below.