Cobb - Feed Conversion Worker

This position collects data in the feed conversion houses and dissection laboratory by using measuring instruments and electronic devices. Other duties may be assigned.

Education: Must be able to read, write, and have simple math skills. Must have good oral and written communication skills. Basic computer skills for data entry regarding dissection and individual feed/bird weight data.

These collect Data and Perform House Checklist within Brood Feed Conversion Houses performing the following duties: weigh chickens into and out of their cages; record and add feed to feeders as needed; collect data with pen and paper and/or on a computer or tablet; check bird’s heart rate and blood oxygen with pulse-oximeter following the accepted protocols; dispose of dead birds as instructed; feed birds according to schedules; clean and disinfect houses, equipment, waterers, feeders and cages; perform routine housekeeping duties; segregate birds according to line and sex as instructed; remove and place birds in cages according to schedules; examine birds for signs of illness and report any problems to lead, supervisor or manager; monitor controls and thermostats that regulate temperature and humidity of the poultry house; record information according to instructions such as bird weight, feed, added feed, and mortality; repair, align, and construct cages, pens or equipment (feeders, water lines, lights, vents, etc.) (60%)

These collect Data within Dissection Laboratory performing the following duties: euthanize birds in accordance with company policy; use scalpel to dissect birds into specific parts to accepted protocols; visually score for defects in physiology; use a caliper to collect data, and use a woodyrator to check for breast hardness; enter weights and defects into tablet or computer; dispose of dead dissect birds into incinerators (30%)

These may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice, such as: Maintain and assist with housekeeping standards in the working areas; inspect birds to determine quality and progress by weighing birds weekly; sanitation of storage areas, breakroom, boot rooms, equipment, and vehicles, cleaning incinerators; moving birds, grounds-keeping and organizing breeder tags; properly euthanize selected or weak/ill birds in accordance with company policy; collect swab samples; clean, disinfect, and haul coops; maintain foot bath, hand sanitizer, hydro-foamer, sweep, mop, and other general cleaning (10%)

The jobsite is a bio secure environment which requires showering, changing clothing and footwear before entering the facility. Appropriate clothing and footwear are provided by the Company. No jewelry may be worn on the job site except for medical ID jewelry and body piercings covered by appropriate clothing. Must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid any avian species (chickens, ducks, birds, etc.). Must be willing to sign and abide by the Company Biosecurity and Company Animal Welfare Guidelines.

Physical: Must use safe lifting techniques. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds at times. Must push/pull dollies weighing up to 500 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; and drive a vehicle within the farm complex. Employees are regularly required to dissect chicken parts with a knife; excessive hand and wrist movements. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools and Equipment: scale, Tablet scanner, scalpel, drill safety knife, woodyrator, Pulse-Ox Machine & pressure washer

Environment: Required to work on wet, slippery surfaces and in hot, dry, dusty, wet, and cold environments. Excessive smells of raw chicken in dissection department.

Personal Protective Equipment Required: Safety goggles, safety glasses, face shield, chemical gloves, cutting gloves, waterproof apron, and rubber boots are required. Ear plugs will be used as needed. NIOSH approved N95 particulate respirators will be worn as needed.

Chemicals Commonly Used: Farmphene, Synergize, Virkon, among others.

Safety: TM is expected to follow all applicable safety policies and procedures. These include Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, LOTO and Personal Protective Equipment. TM is expected to identify, address and mitigate safety related risks.