Part-Time Worker

Rabbit Handler / Back up Driver

The Rabbit handler will follow the direction of the lead driver and regularly stack crates and/or load trailers in an efficient, timely manner to ensure assigned route stays on schedule. The Rabbit Handler must understand and promote the Quality System as part of the company's overall goal toward continual improvement through strict adherence to all company policies and procedures, as well as actively support and uphold the principals and values of the company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep vehicle, trailer, crate, and cage grower ID cards clean.
• Clean grower ID cards before arriving to pick up point and at each stop.
• Clean and load empty crates on the trailer.
• Select, count, weigh, document with ID cards, and load only animals that meet company standards.
• Must be flexible on route availability, which may change and vary at short notice, to meet the needs of the company. Routes will change in duration, including nighttime and/or daytime hours.
• Follow company safety procedures for transporting and handling live animals as outlined in the company's Animals Welfare Policy.
• Comply with the Animal Welfare Policy for holding, handling, and processing live animals.
• Tolerate exposure to rabbit fur, urine, odors, scratches, and bites.
• Serve as a courteous company representative in all interactions with growers and other individuals, and keep management informed of any relevant information.
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary company information including information on growers, routes, and all other company business.
• Spray down truck and trailer tires with bleach water before each stop and before backing into the plant.
• Weigh and load rabbits to ensure that no more than twenty-five fryers are in the cart at one time and no more than five fryers are in a crate.
• Gather rabbits out of growers' cages and place them in a cart or crate based on the truck/trailer being used.
• Responsible for unloading rabbits at the plant, even if other workers provide assistance.
• Complete grower tickets and paperwork when needed (i.e., temporary drivers, trainees, etc.).
• Comply with Pel-Freez, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies and procedures, food safety standards, general safety, animal welfare, and good manufacturing practices.
• Exhibit exemplary attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Based on the essential duties listed above, this position is considered safety-sensitive and therefore all work must be performed following quality standards and established safety procedures.

EDUCATION & RELATED EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED is required.
• Previous experience working in food production, on a farm, or in a similar agricultural setting is preferred.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to be covered under the Company's automobile insurance is required.
• Current commercial driver's license (CDL) is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of safety procedures and industry regulations and guidelines required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
• Familiarity with biological production is preferred.
• A responsible, self-managed individual with the ability to remain attuned to assigned work tasks.
• Flexibility, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff, as well as outside clients and vendors when necessary.
• The ability to learn industry/company-specific work practices.
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• The ability to understand and comply with all company policies and procedures, and all applicable state and federal laws.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS

The Rabbit Handler has no supervisory responsibilities. However, the role will be expected to frequently interact with co-workers, management, and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are typically performed in an outside environment. The outdoor environment may require the employee to be exposed to extreme wet and dry weather conditions, including temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The position may be exposed to danger, noise, vibration, dirt, grease/oil, dust/shavings, chemicals, electricity, sharp objects, flying objects/particles, moving equipment, and fire/steam/hot surfaces. Travel is an essential function of the role. This position is full-time and work hours may vary depending on operational activities and required duties.