Job Description

Job Title: Trainee Assistant Farm Manager
Reports to: Farm Manager
Health & Safety overview:
Every individual has a responsibility for Health & Safety. The jobholder must ensure that his/her actions do not put oneself and others at risk, and cooperate fully with the company in respect to Health & Safety.
Report all accidents and near-misses to the relevant line manager immediately.
Ensure that any damage to plant or machinery is reported to the relevant line manager immediately.
Ensure that before using any equipment checks are carried out for damage or excessive wear.
Colleagues should also check that the equipment is clear of debris and can function safely.
Ensure that all guards are replaced if removed.
Obey any specific work practices e.g. start-up procedures.
Always obey signs and wear protective clothing where required.
Job Purpose:
To work with the Farm Manager to achieve all aspects listed below, whilst developing the required knowledge to enable progression into a farm management role.
1. To ensure that the highest standards are maintained in stock husbandry, bird welfare, flock performance and management.
2. To ensure the highest site standards are maintained and the environmental & ethical policies are adhered to.
3. To ensure site/s are audit ready and comply with all Noble and industry standards.
4. To manage and operate effectively the Company Health & Safety Policy Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following is a list of core responsibilities to be completed by the jobholder. Other duties may be assigned.
Bird Welfare
- Water – ensure water is available at all times and at the correct height and monitor consumption
- Feed – ensure the correct ration is fed to birds, the correct number of feeds per day, the correct trough height and feed depth. Monitor consumption and ensure stocks are kept to the appropriate level
- Temperature – maintain house temperatures according to the appropriate standard and weather conditions, whilst being mindful of the bird behaviour and requirements. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent build up of dust and ammonia levels and promote optimum performance
- Light – adjust the settings and times of lights in line with the flock programme, as well as when bird behaviour dictates
- Ensure all relevant vaccinations and treatments are delivered at the correct time via water, spray or injection. Be mindful of traceability of all vaccines and maintain up to date medicines book
- Ensure alarm systems are fully operational through daily testing of dial outs and recording of testing undertaken. Ensure alarms are triggered at the appropriate points in line with the age of the flock
- Mortality – accurately record all mortality and humanely cull any birds that are in distress
- Ensure all equipment is functioning properly in relation to feed, temperature, water, ventilation and lighting in order to ensure comfort of flock and minimise distress
- Undertake serology testing and environmental monitoring at required intervals
- Operate effective testing and maintenance programme on standby generator systems
- As instructed by your manager, organise or assist with organisation of bird transport. Be mindful of journey time, loading times, weather conditions and number of birds per module Health & Safety Assist the farm manager in the below areas;
- Manage, complete and maintain all relevant site documents relating to health & safety and implement the necessary controls
- Read, understand and comply with the specific H&S Responsibilities related to your role
- Assess and develop overall H&S management and controls Bio-Security Assist the farm manager in the below areas;
- Maintain effective bio-security programme and ensure all step-over barriers and site systems are operating efficiently and effectively.
- Ensure foot dips are maintained regularly and used at every access point to the building
- Ensure a monitored programme is in place and operating for all site pests, to include rodents, flies and mites
- Protect your flock by ensuring that any external visitors adhere to the Company visitor protocols
- Ensure all vehicles that come on to site are sprayed with the approved disinfectant Record Keeping Assist the farm manager in the below areas;
- Ensure the relevant weekly record cards fully completed and submitted as required
- Ensure the completion of the in house daily stock check and cleaning schedules
- Ensure records are kept correctly and up to date, so that all relevant information is available for audits
- Log and monitor flock performance
- Weigh required number of birds weekly, input data and report against targets to ensure birds are progressing in line with the relevant standard. Report any issues or concerns to your manager
- Comply with company issued turnaround programme, including maintenance, cleaning and full preparation for re-housing
- Monitor and control chemical stocks Workforce Management Assist the farm manager in the below areas;
- Organising colleagues to ensure sufficient resource on farm at all times
- To act as a key mentor to site trainees/new starters and assist in their ongoing development.
- Ensure all colleagues have completed the training required for their specific roles
- Co-ordinate and manage catchers at pullet transfer and flock depletion
- Conduct site induction with all temporary labour and monitor compliance with rules set out
- Ensure 24 hour, 7 day a week management cover is provided for the site whilst birds are in lay
- Adopt a flexible approach to working hours, particularly at key times during the flock Site/Environmental Assist the farm manager in the below areas;
- Co-ordinate effective cleaning schedule both inside and outside of poultry houses to present the correct image for visitors and customers.
- Conduct customer visits including explanation of record cards and presentation of farm.
- Be available at audits to demonstrate required standards are being met, whether that is in environmental, bird welfare or Health & Safety
- Carry out basic repairs, where safe to do so.
- Dispose of all waste according to Company Policy including, but not limited to, muck, wash water, vaccine, bottles and chemicals
- Where necessary, help to manage other company properties/bungalows on farm
- Be mindful of cost at all time