A leading poultry operation in Pietermaritzburg is seeking an Assistant Farmer specializing in Laying. Manage site operations, biosecurity, and team productivity. Requires Grade 12, 3 years of poultry experience (Laying supervisory), and a valid Driver’s License.
📍 Role Overview
- Location: Pietermaritzburg (PMB), KwaZulu-Natal
- Functional Area: Poultry / Agriculture (Laying Site)
- Experience Level: Supervisory
- Closing Date: 06 February 2026
🎯 Role Purpose
The Assistant Farmer is responsible for supporting the Farmer in managing the operations, resources, and manpower of a laying site. Your goal is to ensure the optimal production of high-quality birds at the lowest cost. You will take full responsibility for the site when the Farmer is absent, requiring strong leadership and deep technical knowledge of poultry systems.
🔑 Key Areas of Responsibility
Bird & Production Management
- Feed & Water: Manage accurate feed allocation, verify codes, and take samples. Ensure water systems and drinker heights are maintained according to the Hygiene Program.
- Environmental Control: Operate ventilation controllers and manage daily temperature set-points and light programs to maximize production.
- Health & Vaccination: Implement the approved vaccination and Drag Swabs programs; monitor bird reactions and report inconsistencies.
- Mortality: Record and report daily mortality numbers per house.
Site Operations & Maintenance
- Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures, conduct weekly audits, and manage rodent control.
- Infrastructure: Ensure the standby generator is operational (weekly inspections) and oversee the maintenance team to manage breakdowns and control costs.
- Catching Management: Plan and oversee catching activities, including litter removal, disinfection, and house preparation.
Administrative & Team Leadership
- Manpower: Plan shift rosters and annual leave. Handle team discipline and adherence to the company Code of Conduct.
- Training: Execute “Matrix” and on-the-job training for the team to ensure skill compliance.
- Stock Control: Manage PPE issues/reconciliations and order bio-security related stock timeously.
✅ Minimum Requirements
- Education: Grade 12 (Matric). A tertiary qualification in Agriculture or Animal Production is an advantage.
- Experience: Minimum 3 years in a Poultry environment with specific exposure to a Laying supervisory capacity.
- Licensing: Valid Driver’s License is required.
- Physicality: Must be physically fit and have no allergies to bird feathers or dust.
🧠 Technical Knowledge (BOP Standards)
- Ability to operate ventilation controllers.
- Knowledge of SHEQ requirements (including MSDS for chemicals).
- Proficiency in calculating daily production and bird counts during placement/depopulation.
- Understanding of Litter Beetle programs and optimal bedding quality.