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.
FUNCTION
At Heifer USA, we believe regenerative farming is critical to the health of rural economies and the health of our planet. That’s why we invest in farmers, equipping them with the skills and support they need to make their businesses grow. Heifer Ranch is a 1,200-acre living classroom where farmers and ecologically concerned consumers can connect, share ideas and learn from our team of agricultural experts.
We provide hands-on, classroom and digital training programs and support to farmers accessing new markets. Our team of horticulture and livestock specialists teach innovative and climate-friendly farming practices that improve small farmers’ bottom line, provide nutritious food for consumers and protect and conserve our environment. When local farms thrive, local economies and ecosystems do too.
The Poultry Production Specialist will support our work by leading the pastured poultry enterprise at Heifer Ranch. They will utilize regenerative and innovative farming techniques to grow our production in an efficient and effective way. In addition, this person will assist in the building and maintaining of our living classroom at Heifer Ranch and contribute to our training programs.
ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS
Commitment to performance; Excellence; Visionary; Always brings solutions; Entrepreneurial; Fail fast and small; Action-oriented; Passion for mission; Self-starter and proactive tendencies; Tenacity; Creativity; A “whatever-it-takes-to-get-the-job-done” mentality; Thrives in a culturally diverse environment; Detailed; Systematic; Organized; Collaborative; Trustworthiness; Communicator; Flexibility
RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES
A. Responsible for brooding and raising up to approximately 45,000 pasture-raised broiler chickens and turkeys at Heifer Ranch annually (70%)
Brooder and schooner set-up, cleaning, troubleshooting and maintenance (including feeders and waterers)
Responsible for the stress-free transport of poultry moving from the brooder to the pasture
Coordinate with Grass Roots Farmers Cooperative and other transporters for chick delivery and chicken pickup
Coordinate agriculture volunteers in day to day tasks, provide the structure, mentoring, and motivation to effectively and efficiently support you and the poultry enterprise
Coordinate assistance and lead “chicken/turkey catching” pre-harvest
Coordinate with Grass Roots Farmers Cooperative for chicken transportation crates
Follow Heifer’s procurement guidelines to purchase poultry related inputs such as feed and shavings, then coordinate delivery of the items
Ensure predator control in the brooder and while poultry are out on pasture, including care and continued training of poultry guardian dogs
Responsible for all daily chores required for the poultry enterprise, including daily schooner moves, setting up electronet, providing feed and water
Responsible for fully complying with Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative animal welfare standards
Responsible for checking on poultry during inclement weather and providing hay during heavy rains or cold temperatures
Must be willing to cull sick poultry in accordance to animal welfare standards
Commitment to improving and increasing efficiencies within the current pastured poultry enterprise at Heifer Ranch
Ability to communicate professionally with other producers and individuals interested in learning about pastured poultry
Assist in evaluating infrastructure and other needs to grow production, and work with a cross-functional team to develop a plan to scale
B. Record keeping (10%)
Responsible for keeping detailed daily records for the poultry enterprise, including feed consumption and weight data
Comply with Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative record-keeping standards and provide required data in a thorough and timely manner to the cooperative and members of the Heifer USA team
As instructed by Ranch Manager & Land Steward, complete all necessary documents for third party verification
Monitor costs and stay within the allocated budget for poultry enterprise
C.Support farmer training program (10%)
Contribute to creating and enhancing farmer training curriculum and materials
Assist in the preparation and execution of in-person and digital training
Engage with Heifer Ranch visitors to provide educational and inspiring agricultural experiences
Promote regenerative agriculture practices coupled with a focus on how small scale farmers can increase profitability
D. General agriculture support (10%)
Must be willing to lend a hand in the other livestock enterprises and support Agriculture Team projects and initiatives
May perform other job-related duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements
Associate’s degree in Agri-business, Agriculture, or a related field plus two (2) years of related experience
Knowledge of and hands-on experience with poultry production
Preferred Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Agri-business, Agriculture, or a related field plus three (3) years of related experience
Experience working with pasture-raised poultry and regenerative agriculture techniques
Proven agricultural production experience
Reside within close proximity to Heifer Ranch or willing to stay on the Ranch when duties require it
Most Critical Proficiencies
Enthusiasm for farming!
Attention to detail regarding all aspects of poultry production
Ability to communicate well with others
Flexibility in work hours and days
Passion for sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices
Knowledge of general office procedures
Knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Office and the ability to create thorough and accurate documentation using these tools
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong critical thinking
Ability to communicate sensitive information appropriately to internal and external stakeholders
A dedicated approach to meeting goals and deadlines
A natural sense of curiosity, and the ability and interest in learning new skills
Ability to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and think creatively and collaboratively and independently
Ability to follow wellness standards for poultry production
Willingness and ability to grow production scale
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions
Must be able to check on poultry as needed, including occasional evenings and weekends
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
Ability to work independently and perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision
Proven ability to consistently meet deadlines
Flexibility in processing schedule changes
Ability to operate livestock truck with livestock trailer, tractor in a safe manner.
Valid driver’s license
Excellent poultry handling skills
Ability to exhibit positive, proactive problem-solving and communication skills
Demonstrated communication skills (written and oral)
Ability to work independently, enthusiastically and efficiently to get the job done
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
OUR FUTURE
Heifer International has set a goal to help 4 million families within the communities where we work achieve living incomes by 2020. This income will allow them to educate their children; feed themselves adequately every day; and have proper housing, water, hygiene and other essential resources.
To apply, visit https://jobs.jobvite.com/heifer/jobs
