Farm Worker x1 (Layer management)

Job description

Ruffled Feathers Pharms is looking for a reliable, attentive and hardworking Layer Poultry Farm Assistant to support the daily care and management of our laying hens.

The successful candidate will be responsible for feeding the flock, collecting and handling eggs, maintaining a clean poultry house, monitoring bird health and supporting accurate production records. This role is essential to maintaining high standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, egg quality and consistent production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Feed laying hens according to the farm’s feeding programme and ensure that clean drinking water is available at all times.
• Collect eggs regularly and handle them carefully to minimise cracks, breakages and contamination.
• Sort, grade, count, pack and store eggs according to the farm’s quality standards.
• Clean and disinfect the poultry house, cages, egg-handling areas, equipment, feeders and drinkers.
• Monitor the flock daily for signs of illness, injury, abnormal behaviour, reduced feed intake or declining egg production.
• Report bird mortalities, damaged eggs, equipment faults and other concerns promptly.
• Remove manure and waste in accordance with the farm’s hygiene and waste-management procedures.
• Maintain strict biosecurity measures, including the use of protective clothing, footbaths and controlled access to the poultry house.
• Record daily egg production, feed usage, mortalities, breakages and other relevant farm information.
• Assist with receiving feed, packaging materials, replacement birds and other farm supplies.
• Support the preparation and loading of customer egg orders.
• Monitor ventilation, lighting, water systems and other poultry-house equipment.
• Assist with vaccination, flock placement and other animal-health activities under appropriate supervision.
• Perform other reasonable duties required for the efficient operation of the farm.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with poultry, livestock or on a farm will be advantageous.
• Basic reading, writing and numerical skills.
• Ability to count eggs, complete simple production records and follow written instructions.
• Good attention to detail and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Ability to work independently and follow established routines.
• Good hygiene practices and an understanding of the importance of biosecurity.
• Physically capable of lifting feed bags, egg crates and farm equipment.
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends and public holidays when required.
• Reliable transport or the ability to travel consistently to the farm.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and practical working environment.
• Training in layer management, egg handling and farm biosecurity.
• Exposure to precision poultry-farming practices and digital monitoring systems.
• An opportunity to grow with an expanding South African poultry business.
• A market-related salary based on experience and responsibilities.

Certify change, one farm at a time.If you’re passionate about ensuring integrity in the food system and supporting farmers on the path to organic excellence, we want to hear from you.