Farm Technician

~ It’s all connected. We know that healthy animals and a healthy environment are good for our health too. We breed chickens to be healthy, as nature intended. They can graze and forage on pastures every day. ~

Cooks Venture is a group of farmers, cooks, and food professionals who couldn’t find what we wanted in the food system, so we are building it ourselves from the ground up, animal-by-animal, plant-by-plant, meal-by-meal. Our vision is a truly transparent, regenerative supply chain for the future.

Position Overview

Cooks Venture is seeking a Farm Associate Level 2 to join us in our mission to change the world through food! As part of our start-up team, you'll be a key player in ensuring Cooks Venture fulfills our promise to deliver only the best in quality products to our customers.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure birds have access to food and water by continuously checking the feed and water lines to make sure they are running correctly and there aren’t any leaks
• Ensure birds have access to the correct amount of food by hand-weighing it in various chicken houses
• Manage the fleshing of birds to make sure the breasts and thighs have the proper fat to muscle ratio and the level of meat is in line with age
• Track birds by catching, grading, and using a bander to apply tags and record the birds
• Input bird numbers into the computer and to track the different lines of poultry
• Determine the amount of feed needed per week based off of the number of birds and the age of the birds
• Conduct maintenance on poultry houses, including but not limited to, repairing fan belts and checking and repairing lighting and feed timers
• Keep poultry houses clean and assist in cleanouts including removing slats, sweeping, dusting, removing litter and cleaning equipment
• Assist in set ups which includes power-washing equipment and poultry houses as needed
• Utilize proper biosecurity standards and identify sick or injured birds and understand how to properly handle these birds
• Troubleshoot, repair and replace feed and water systems, augers, ventilation equipment, etc.
• Maintain electrical and propane heaters to ensure they are running correctly
• Comply with Cooks Venture policies and regulations regarding safety, food safety, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, ingredients and any related item
• Follow Cooks Venture values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees
• Perform other projects, initiatives, and tasks as directed by leadership with the understanding that as a hands-on job, taking initiative is noted and rewarded

Qualifications

Physical Activities:

• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• May bend, stoop and be on feet for extended periods of time; will move between environments
• Work around live animals
• Handling production equipment like hoppers, augers, power washers, etc.

Minimum Education & Experience::

• Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, or another related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience with poultry, livestock, or farm operations required