Poultry Caretaker

Overview

This position is part of the production team at Barn Farm, consisting of 9 members working six days on and two days off on a rolling shift basis. Reporting to the Facility Manager and collaborating closely with the Team Lead, this role ensures the premium breeding poultry stock are well-cared for to produce high-quality eggs for hatching.

Key Duties

• Maintain poultry welfare by guaranteeing access to fresh water and nutritious food to promote full health and vitality.
• Provide an appropriate environment for the birds including proper ventilation and comfortable resting areas.
• Prevent pain, injury, or disease through proactive measures and timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Ensure sufficient space, suitable facilities, and company of their own kind to avoid mental stress in birds.
• Observe strict hygiene protocols such as personal cleanliness, hand washing, boot changing, and wearing protective clothing.
• Adhere rigorously to biosecurity policies to prevent contamination.
• Minimize floor eggs by training birds to use nest boxes as directed.
• Collect and document egg collections accurately and neatly daily.
• Weigh feed precisely and maintain cleanliness within poultry houses including dusting, cleaning light fixtures, sweeping, managing friable litter, and boot dip upkeep.
• Keep nest boxes in clean and proper working condition.
• Record house temperature, mortality rates, and egg collection data meticulously.
• Maintain overall farm cleanliness and tidiness.
• Follow all health and safety regulations specific to farm operations.

Candidate Profile

• No prior poultry experience is required.
• A positive attitude towards learning new skills.
• Team player mindset, supporting colleagues and fostering teamwork.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently using initiative.
• Adaptable and flexible to changing work conditions.
• Proactive and innovative approach to job responsibilities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly wage of £13.87, equating to an annual salary of approximately £33,000.
• 32 days of annual leave including Bank Holidays.
• Access to pension scheme membership.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Group income protection insurance.
• Private medical insurance.
• Employee assistance program for support services.
• Employee discount platform for various products and services.

Work Schedule

The position operates on a 6 days on, 2 days off schedule with typical hours from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with occasional extended shifts.

Additional Information

• Strict biosecurity protocols require all visitors to shower before entering the facility.
• Farm clothing is supplied and laundered onsite.
• No personal items such as mobile phones or jewelry are allowed on the farm; breaks permit leaving the premises with mandatory showering upon return.
• Applicants must not keep any avian species at home.

The candidate must be physically capable of performing the job duties with or without reasonable accommodations. Equal employment opportunity is provided without discrimination based on race, nationality, gender, age, disability, or other protected factors.