About Company
Astral Foods is a leading Southern African integrated poultry producer. As one of the largest poultry companies in South Africa, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious poultry products to consumers across the region. Our operations span the entire value chain, including animal feed manufacturing, broiler breeding, hatching, and broiler growing, as well as the processing, marketing, and distribution of a wide range of fresh, frozen, and value-added poultry products. We are committed to sustainable farming practices, rigorous biosecurity measures, and the highest standards of animal welfare. At Astral Foods, we believe in fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where our employees can grow professionally and contribute to the health and well-being of our communities.
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Job Description
Are you an experienced and passionate Poultry Farmer looking for a challenging yet rewarding role with a leading agricultural company? Astral Foods, a prominent player in the South African poultry industry, is seeking a dedicated Poultry Farmer to join our dynamic team in Sada, Eastern Cape. This unique ‘Hybrid’ role offers the opportunity to blend essential on-site farm management with strategic planning and administrative tasks that can be performed flexibly.
At Astral Foods, we are committed to sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and delivering high-quality poultry products to our consumers. As a Poultry Farmer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the health, productivity, and overall well-being of our flocks. Your responsibilities will span the full lifecycle of poultry farming, from chick arrival to growth and harvest preparation. This is not just a hands-on position; it requires a blend of practical farming expertise and the ability to manage operations, optimize resources, and ensure compliance with stringent industry standards.
The ‘Hybrid’ nature of this position means that while the core of your work will involve direct oversight and execution on the farm – monitoring birds, managing feed and water systems, ensuring biosecurity, and supervising farm staff – a significant portion of your time will also be dedicated to critical off-site or remote tasks. This includes detailed record-keeping, inventory management for feed and supplies, financial reporting, scheduling, performance analysis, and communication with suppliers, veterinarians, and head office. You will utilize modern farm management software to track data, analyze trends, and make informed decisions to enhance farm efficiency and profitability. This blend allows for a flexible work arrangement where strategic planning and administrative duties can be conducted from a suitable remote setup, complementing the vital on-site operational demands. You will be expected to leverage technology to streamline processes and communicate effectively across various platforms, ensuring seamless farm operations and compliance. This role is perfect for a self-motivated individual who can balance rigorous on-site demands with the discipline required for remote administrative excellence, contributing significantly to our continued success.
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Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the poultry farm, ensuring optimal conditions for bird health and growth.
- Manage feed and water systems, ensuring proper supply and quality control.
- Implement and maintain strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Monitor bird health, identify potential issues, and coordinate with veterinarians for treatment.
- Supervise and train farm staff, ensuring adherence to operational procedures and safety standards.
- Maintain accurate records of flock performance, feed consumption, mortality, and production data (hybrid component).
- Conduct regular inventory checks for feed, medication, and other farm supplies, and facilitate procurement (hybrid component).
- Prepare routine reports on farm performance, resource utilization, and operational challenges (hybrid component).
- Ensure all farming practices comply with company policies, industry regulations, and animal welfare standards.
- Participate in planning and budgeting for farm operations (hybrid component).
- Engage with suppliers, service providers, and company management as required (hybrid component).
Required Skills
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in commercial poultry farming.
- Strong understanding of poultry health, nutrition, and disease management.
- Proven ability to manage farm operations efficiently.
- Excellent observational and problem-solving skills.
- Leadership capabilities with experience in supervising farm staff.
- Basic computer literacy for record-keeping and communication.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Diploma or certificate in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, or a related field.
- Experience with farm management software and data analysis.
- Knowledge of current best practices in sustainable poultry farming.
- First aid and basic veterinary care knowledge.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Annual performance bonus.
- Supportive work environment within a leading agricultural company.
- Potential for on-site housing or housing allowance (subject to availability).
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting Poultry Farmer position, please click on the application link below. Ensure your CV highlights your relevant experience in poultry farming and your ability to manage both on-site operations and administrative tasks. We look forward to reviewing your application.
