Assistant Farmer – Laying & Rearing (2 positions)

About the role

The Assistant Farmers will support the Farmer/Site Supervisor in managing day‑to‑day operations at the Nooitgedacht poultry site. They will ensure optimal bird production, quality, and cost efficiency while maintaining bio‑security and animal welfare standards.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare houses and create ideal conditions for bird production before chick placement.
• Coordinate chick placement, monitor staff, and liaise with hatchery and foremen.
• Monitor brooding conditions, record vent temperatures and adjust settings.
• Track daily bird performance, including feed intake, water consumption, temperature, humidity and mortality.
• Manage ventilation, water sampling, flushing, sanitation and pressure settings.
• Oversee feed delivery, bin stock, feeder heights, feed quality sampling and adjustments.
• Plan and document house preparation for catching, coordinating with logistics to minimise holding time.
• Enforce hygiene, bio‑security, SHEQ and risk‑management procedures.
• Train staff on animal welfare, food safety and equipment use.
• Maintain accurate records for health, safety, feed, mortality and rodent control.
• Test equipment, generators and alarms regularly to ensure reliability.

Required profile

• Minimum Grade 12; tertiary qualification is an advantage.
• At least 3 years experience in a poultry environment, preferably with laying or rearing supervision.
• Physically fit and no allergies to bird feathers or dust.
• Driving licence is advantageous.

Required skills

• Driving licence (advantage).
• Ventilation management.
• Water sampling and sanitation.
• Feed management and quality monitoring.
• Record‑keeping and documentation.
• Equipment testing and maintenance.
• Implementation of bio‑security procedures.