Assistant Farm Manager

AVS Bio, the world’s largest and most trusted producer of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) eggs and adjacent laboratory products and services for the development and manufacture of biologics, is hiring an Assistant Farm Manager to join our team in Lebanon, CT/Voluntown, CT. In this role you will be responsible for management of farm operations, including oversight of several poultry houses and processing departments on each site.

We are the world’s largest and most trusted producer of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) eggs and adjacent laboratory products and services for the development and manufacture of biologics. At AVS Bio, we are committed to the humane treatment of animals. Our eggs are produced in our over 40 dedicated houses using sustainable practices, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our hens are treated with the utmost care and respect.

We offer competitive compensation of $64,000 depending on experience along with paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick/personal time) plus medical, dental, and vision insurance.

What you will be doing:

• Responsible for management of farm operations, including oversight of several poultry houses and processing departments on each site, in the farm manager’s absence.
• Assist farm manager by participating in poultry husbandry duties which include but are not limited to breeder egg selection, incubating and hatching, beak trimming, pullet management, 100% blood testing and environmental sampling, nest imprinting, breeder/grow house management, depopulations, egg processing and general packing.
• Provide direct daily supervision and review work of limited assigned departmental employees to ensure accuracy and adherence to pertinent departmental policies, practices, and procedures [SOPs, safety procedures and biosafety protocols]. Schedule and prioritize the workload of assigned group.
• Assist in the interview and selection of qualified non-exempt personnel.  Assist in developing recommendations regarding personnel actions, including hiring, promotions and raises.  Partner with Human Resources and departmental management to assist in the handling of disciplinary issues.  Assist in the drafting of appropriate personnel action paperwork.
• Identify training and development needs of direct reports.  Assist in the development, implementation, and delivery of departmental training programs; ensure that direct reports receive departmental orientation and necessary on-the-job training.  May maintain group training manual and training records.
• Monitor performance of direct reports.  Assist in providing regular coaching and counseling.  Assist in preparation and delivery of salary and performance reviews of direct reports.
• Schedule overtime as authorized.  Review and recommend approval of timecards.  Assist in the coordination of vacation/time off schedules.
• Assist in ensuring optimum performance of group function.  May recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs, take advantage of opportunities, and maintain state-of-the-art practices.
• Assist in the development, maintenance and communication of departmental systems and SOPs.  Assist in the development and communication of job descriptions for subordinate positions.
• Ensure that departmental equipment is maintained in good working condition and that departmental area(s) are maintained in a clean and orderly condition. 
• Provide input for salary adjustments, performance appraisals and disciplinary actions for farm personnel.
• Maintain biosecurity on the farm and maintain records according to SOPs.
• Assist with maintaining farm supply inventory, including feed.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Job Conditions and Physical Effort:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and confined spaces, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• This position requires participation in 24-hour on-call rotating duty.
• Occasional domestic travel.

This job is for you if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in poultry management or agriculture related discipline.
• 2 to 4 years related experience in poultry management.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Must be able to understand equipment operation and maintenance; Must be available seven days a week and holidays; good written and verbal skills.
• Effective time management skills.

If you are dedicated to upholding high standards of animal welfare and possess the necessary skills and passion for this role, we are interested in talking with you. Apply now and contribute to the advancement of biologics development through ethical and sustainable practices.

AVS Bio is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Salary : $64,000