Farm Operative
CV-LibraryBurnopfield, County DurhamtemporaryPosted: 29 May 2026
Apply NowWe are recruiting experienced and reliable Farm Operatives to support day‑to‑day poultry operations for a respected client within the agricultural sector. This role is hands-on, autonomous, and vital to maintaining high bird‑welfare and production standards.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Duties
* Manage building security and key control
* Follow strict biosecurity, PPE, and food hygiene procedures
* Carry out daily flock management for a ~32,000-bird flock with minimal disturbance
* Inspect flock at least three times a day, monitoring bird health and welfare
* Check feed tracks, water drinkers, and automated shed monitoring systems
* Maintain accurate records (temperature, feed, water, egg counts, inspections) and analyse data to identify issues
* Collect stray/floor eggs and support ventilation monitoring
* Handle birds and remove deceased birds in line with animal‑welfare policy
* Operate, monitor, and maintain poultry‑house machinery (e.g., egg belts)
* Clean spillages and complete end‑of‑day shed cleaning
* Pack and stack daily egg collections following quality standards
* Move packed eggs to storage with correct documentation
* Unload and organise packaging (2–3 times per week)
* Ensure building is properly secured before leaving
* Complete any additional general farm duties as required
Weekly Duties
* Complete weekly records, analyse performance, and report issues
* Liaise with external muck‑removal contractors, monitor muck-belts, report mechanical faults, and clean spillages
* Complete additional biosecurity cleaning tasks (foot dips, disinfecting points, etc.)
* Manage shed rodent stations, including poison checks, replacements, record‑keeping, and data analysis
As Required
* Replace flock enrichment items
* Weigh birds according to flock schedule
* Administer vaccinations/medication under direction of Production Manager
* Lay down litter/bedding and maintain dry areas
* Assist with housing new flocks
* Carry out routine house cleaning and manure removal
* Clean and maintain machinery used within poultry housing
Full in-house training will be provided
Key Responsibilities
Daily Duties
* Manage building security and key control
* Follow strict biosecurity, PPE, and food hygiene procedures
* Carry out daily flock management for a ~32,000-bird flock with minimal disturbance
* Inspect flock at least three times a day, monitoring bird health and welfare
* Check feed tracks, water drinkers, and automated shed monitoring systems
* Maintain accurate records (temperature, feed, water, egg counts, inspections) and analyse data to identify issues
* Collect stray/floor eggs and support ventilation monitoring
* Handle birds and remove deceased birds in line with animal‑welfare policy
* Operate, monitor, and maintain poultry‑house machinery (e.g., egg belts)
* Clean spillages and complete end‑of‑day shed cleaning
* Pack and stack daily egg collections following quality standards
* Move packed eggs to storage with correct documentation
* Unload and organise packaging (2–3 times per week)
* Ensure building is properly secured before leaving
* Complete any additional general farm duties as required
Weekly Duties
* Complete weekly records, analyse performance, and report issues
* Liaise with external muck‑removal contractors, monitor muck-belts, report mechanical faults, and clean spillages
* Complete additional biosecurity cleaning tasks (foot dips, disinfecting points, etc.)
* Manage shed rodent stations, including poison checks, replacements, record‑keeping, and data analysis
As Required
* Replace flock enrichment items
* Weigh birds according to flock schedule
* Administer vaccinations/medication under direction of Production Manager
* Lay down litter/bedding and maintain dry areas
* Assist with housing new flocks
* Carry out routine house cleaning and manure removal
* Clean and maintain machinery used within poultry housing
Full in-house training will be provided