Job Duties:
Workers will load and unload livestock from inside barns to and from the loading chute, working with drivers to sort the animals safely, productively, and efficiently, properly using herding boards to move animals from pen to aisle. They will accurately count animals onto the truck and confirm with the driver the correct number of animals loaded or unloaded. The workers will sanitize the chutes and alleyways where the animals walked during loading or unloading in between groups of animals. Workers will thoroughly sanitize farrowing rooms after all piglets are weaned and sows returned to gestation in a timely manner before the next group of sows are moved, in addition to sanitizing other areas of the barns, vehicles, and equipment utilizing appropriate machinery, disinfectants, and PPE while respecting biosecurity lines. Workers will assist with separating ill, injured, or small animals from the others and ensure the proper execution of euthanasia procedures based on the animal's size and that animals received have appropriate feed, water, and environment for optimal productivity. Workers will correct environment for comfort of animal including fixing broken crates, feeders, and water nipples. Employees will annotate information regarding loading/receiving times, number of live animals received, number of dead animals received, number of ill or injured animals, condition of animals upon being received, condition of trucks used for loading animals, and other pertinent production data. The workers will not be driving the trucks.
Special Requirements:
Minimum of three (3) months of direct experience handling, feeding, and moving livestock is required. Must have basic knowledge of animal care needs, behavior, health indicators, and feeding patterns. Basic first aid skills for livestock and common measures to prevent disease spread. Familiarity with farm machinery and equipment such as feeders, water supplies, compact loaders, euthanasia equipment, high pressure washing system. Experience recording information in an accurate manner. Must be able to lift and/or move while lifting up to 50 lbs. Ability to stand; walk; use hands or handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.