Assistant Poultry Production Specialist

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

FUNCTION

Heifer USA works with small-scale farmers to help them transform their communities. The Assistant Poultry Production Specialist will support the poultry enterprises at Heifer Ranch.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS:

Honest, Strong work ethic, Reliable, Enthusiastic, Commitment to learning and performance, Self-starter, Proactive, “Whatever it takes” mentality, Attention to detail, Punctual, Passion for farming and food justice issues, Organized, Flexible, and Thrives in a culturally diverse environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

A. Chickens/Turkeys (80%)

• Support the poultry enterprise with an emphasis on brooding and pasturing chickens and turkeys.
• Check on poultry daily to ensure animal health, feed and water availability.
• Assist in daily chores including moving mobile schooners to fresh grass daily, taking down and setting up poultry netting, feeding, and giving fresh water.
• Assist in catching poultry to send to processor.
• Using current record-keeping system, track brooding conditions, livability and feed consumption.
• Assist in setting up brooders and mobile schooners prior to new flocks as well as cleaning and sanitizing between flocks.

B. Support Heifer USA’s training program (15%)

• Assist in livestock-related training- both in person and digital.

C. May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%)

• Must be willing and able to step in and assist in any Ranch enterprise as directed

Minimum Requirements:

1. High School diploma or GED
2. Must have reliable transportation
3. Must have a valid drivers license

Preferred Requirements:

1. Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agri-business, Agriculture, Environmental Sustainability, or related field.
2. General knowledge of pasture-raised poultry, sustainable agriculture, regenerative agriculture, and livestock welfare.
3. Experience working with poultry.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

Reliable. Excellent work ethic. Passion for Poultry and Regenerative Agriculture. Ability to respectfully work with a diverse staff.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

1. Must be physically able to complete a wide variety of manual, ranch tasks such as carrying 5-gallon feed buckets repetitively, machinery operation, truck and trailer operation, electric fence troubleshooting and repair, and hose repair.
2. Able to lift ~50 lbs. or more
3. Willing to work in varying weather conditions.
4. Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
5. Able to work after hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.
6. Live on Ranch (if housing is available) or within 20 miles.
7. Ability to take direction and execute tasks as directed.
8. Must be highly organized.
9. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Salary Information:

Starting salary for this position is $21.62 USD hourly. Salary will be commensurate with experience and competency.

**Disclaimer: Salary for this position is based on U.S. labor market and salary scale.
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WHAT WE OFFER:**

Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week.

• Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
• Employee assistance program
• 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match + 3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
• 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
• Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection