Summary

The Breeder Barn Technician will work as part of the Breeder farm team ensuring the company’s animal husbandry and biosecurity practices are followed. Responsibilities may include monitoring and regulating ventilation and temperature; ensuring water quality and supply; monitoring feed levels and handling live or deceased birds, collecting eggs and weighing birds if necessary. The Barn Technician may need to help maintain accurate records of egg production, feed and water consumption, mortality rates and other relevant information. The main role of a Breeder Barn Technician is to maintain the buildings, equipment, grounds, and perform general equipment and preventive maintenance. The Breeder Barn Technician will lead the barn setup and preparation for new flocks in addition to inspecting barns post-wash. 

The individual in this position will also help with the transfer of birds from grow-to-lay barns. The individual will be a self-starter, available to help with all aspects of the farm as needed.

Schedule

The work schedule for this position is a rotation that includes weekends, averaging 40 hours per week. The individual must be able to work flexible hours, including some holidays, and be available to answer on-call alarms. 

Position Accountabilities

• Ensuring water quality and supply are adequate
• Flush drinking lines as needed
• Monitor and regulate ventilation and temperature
• Barn setup
• Regular barn maintenance i.e., PM on equipment, diagnosing and repairing breakdowns, reporting mechanical & structural issues
• Inspect barns post-wash and test equipment
• Pest control and fly management
• Distributing shavings
• Clean up and store tools & equipment upon completing a job
• Assist with bird moves & vaccinations as needed
• Data input using electronic devices (tablet, smartphone)
• Investigate causes of production loss
• Respond to alarm calls
• Provide an environment free of animal cruelty, abuse and/or neglect for our poultry
• Protect the organization’s value by keeping all protected and proprietary information confidential
• Practice and follow bio-security protocol 
• Follow all safety processes and procedures
• All other duties as assigned 

Position Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent and/or any relevant trade experience

• Willingness to work with live poultry

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Experience in the agricultural industry and/or food processing preferable

• Problem-solving skills

• A valid driver’s license with a clean driver abstract required 

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

• Mechanical abilities

• Basic technology literacy (smartphone, computer, etc.)

• High attention to detail

• Strong interpersonal skills

Working Conditions

The position operates indoors in a farm/barn environment. The work environment may be warm and humid, cold in the winter months, dusty at times with strong odours, and noisy. Standing for long periods and repetitive tasks are common. Proper safety footwear and respirators are required and supplied with additional PPE is available upon request.