Buyer

Relocation: Available nationwide if needed

Title: A-Shift Alley Buyer

Duration: Fulltime/Permanent

Location: Columbus Junction, IA (onsite)

Job Summary:

• The Alley Buyer is responsible for handling livestock in a hog yard environment.
• This role involves sorting, counting, weighing, tattooing, and penning animals, as well as learning our Pork Procurement Programs, carcass merit, kill sheet information, weight docks, and other buying procedures.
• The Alley Buyer will also serve as a station relief buyer during the absence of the manager for training and vacation coverage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sort, count, weigh, and tattoo hogs.
• Pen animals in appropriate areas.
• Learn and apply our Pork Procurement Programs, carcass merit information, and kill sheet processes.
• Understand weight docks and buying procedures.
• Act as a station relief buyer in the absence of the manager for vacation or training purposes.
• Ensure compliance with all our SOPs for animal handling, safety protocols, and USDA regulations.

Job Requirements:

• Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture or a related field is required. Candidates graduating in December 2024 or May 2025 will be considered, with employment contingent upon completing their degree.
• Experience: Livestock experience is strongly preferred.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role.
• Computer Skills: Basic computer skills are required.
• Travel: Must be available for overnight travel as needed.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Limited supervision responsibilities may be required.
• Work Environment: Must wear safety equipment such as a hard hat, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection. The work area temperature will vary depending on the season.

Physical Demands:

• Bending: Minimal bending required, depending on the ability to motivate hogs with vocal commands.
• Lifting: Minimal lifting required; the flag and tattoo hammer each weigh less than 5 pounds.
• Grasping: Full-hand grasp needed to handle flags, tattoo hammers, and gates.
• Standing: Required to stand or walk for the entire shift.
• Force: Moderate to heavy force may be needed to assist with downed hogs.

Additional Requirements:

• Must understand and adhere to our SOPs for animal handling, safety, and USDA regulations.
• The Supervisor Trainer will ensure the team member is kept up to date with job functions and responsibilities.
• Must complete all necessary qualifications for the assigned role.

What are the 3-4 non-negotiable requirements of this position?

• Job Requirements: Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture or a related field is required.
• Candidates graduating in December 2024 or May 2025 will be considered, with employment contingent upon completing their degree.

What are the nice-to-have skills?

• Experience: Livestock experience is strongly preferred.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role.
• Computer Skills: Basic computer skills are required.
• Travel: Must be available for overnight travel as needed.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Limited supervision responsibilities may be required.