Poultry Production Assistant

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.  About Heifer International    In 1944, Heifer International’s founder, Dan West, began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War.     He had seen firsthand that giving people food was a short-term solution, whereas providing them with animals offered a steady supply of nutritious food for an entire family. His philosophy still inspires Heifer’s work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, we create unique solutions to local challenges.       Today, Heifer International has operations in 19 countries around the world, working alongside local farmers, business owners and their communities, as they mobilize and envision their futures. Together, we build inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.       To date, we have supported more than 42 million farming families across Africa, Asia and the Americas and in the past five years alone, we have worked alongside 2.7 million families to close the living income gap or set them on a path to doing so. Between now and 2030, we will support an additional 10 million people to reach a living income by scaling up our signature programs. To achieve this, Heifer International relies on its passionate, committed and highly skilled staff.    ROLE FUNCTION   Heifer USA works with small-scale farmers to help them transform their communities. The Poultry Production Assistant will support the poultry enterprises at Heifer Ranch with an emphasis on daily chores, overnight checks, and weekend work. Applicants must be available to work some weekends, nights, and overtime as needed & live in commutable distance to the 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  A. Chicken/Turkey Care (90%)  Complete daily poultry chores: 

• Moving schooners 
• Feeding/watering 
• Setting up paddock fencing 
• Preparing brooders for new chicks and poults 
• Moving poultry out to pasture 
• Preparing for chicken and turkey load out 
• Load out labor for chickens and turkeys 
• Schooner and brooder maintenance 
• Ensure the poultry enterprises are taken care of in the absence of the poultry specialist 
• General record keeping 
• Complete tasks as assigned at the poultry specialist’s direction 
• Must show up on time and complete task with minimal supervision 
• Must be physically able to lift 50 lbs. for extended periods of time 
• Adhere to animal welfare standards 
• Safely operate tools and equipment 
• Operate poultry house environmental controllers 

 May perform other job-related duties as assigned (10%)  

• Must be willing and able to step in and assist in any Ranch enterprise as directed 
• Supporting the Heifer U.S.A team with ranch events 

  Minimum Requirements:  

• High school diploma or GED equivalent 
• Must be of legal working age 
• Be in good physical condition and able to lift ~50 lbs. repeatedly 
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work 
• Must have a valid drivers’ license  
• Have a reliable point of communication such as a cell phone 
• Able to work in various weather conditions (ie. Heat, cold, rain) 
• Have a positive attitude 
• Able to work after hours, weekends, overnights, and holidays as needed.  

  Preferred Requirements:  

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

  Most Critical Proficiencies:  

• Reliable. Excellent work ethic. Passion for livestock and Regenerative Agriculture.  
• Ability