Pullet Barn Temporary Staff

Job description

Due to an AI (Avian Influenza) outbreak, egg prices are very high currently. Layer barns all over the country are having to depopulate their barns because they were contaminated with AI. The layer barns that had to depopulate are wanting to refill their barns as soon as possible to get their bird population back up. We at Nelson Poultry are a grower for layers, so we have been getting a much larger number of orders for layers than is usual. Our schedule is back-to-back with pullet orders. In between growing each flock, we must clean the barn in an effort to reduce the possibility of contracting AI. Since our schedule is so tight, we have to get the barn cleaned and ready for each new set of chicks in a shorter period of time than usual. We have also ramped up our biosecurity measures to protect against contracting the Avian Influenza. As part of our biosecurity protocols, we are preventing workers from going from barn to barn.

The worker on this application is responsible for the raising of poultry for egg production, and complete care and maintenance of the pullet barn and the grounds surrounding the building, which includes: cleaning and sanitizing the pullet barn and the grounds as needed and monitoring the water usage in the barn and repairing the leaks and damaged water systems as needed. The worker will monitor and spray the poultry houses with fly control spray, disinfectants, and vaccines. The worker will also be responsible for the chicks and poultry such as removing chicks from shipping cartons and placing them in the barn, ensuring all chicks and pullets are provided the adequate care, and inspecting the poultry for diseases and removing the weak, ill, or dead poultry from the flock. Additional duties include: clean and fill feeders, monitor feed usage, monitor and document feed and water usage, illumination, and ventilation systems, clean, adjust, lubricate, and replace system parts as needed. The worker will prepare daily and weekly reports for the barn management to monitor the growth and production of the flocks. This opportunity is temporary, not seasonal, and is due to the outbreak of AI. Since we can’t have workers going from barn to barn, we need an additional worker to staff our pullet barn. These additional protocols are due to the AI outbreak and will be temporary until AI slows down or drastically reduces.

Special Requirements

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Worker must be able to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for extended periods of times. Worker must be able to tolerate long exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, the strong smell of manure, and hot temperature for extended periods of times. One month experience working with poultry required.