Job Description

Introduction

 Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (PTY)Ltd, is a dynamic role player in the integrated broiler industry with an abattoir in Reitz in the North Eastern Free State. We offer you the opportunity to establish yourself within a professional, corporate environment in the countryside.

Supervise, oversee the dry-cleaning team to ensure the cleaning process is done according to Standard Operating Procedures and that litter removal machinery and vehicle are kept in a good state of repair.

Requirements

• Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 equivalent.
• At least x1 year previous supervisory experience.
• Previous relevant experience will be a definite advantage.
• A Mechanic-related/ technical course preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience as a semi-skilled artisan/ assistant.
• Mechanical background with respect to tractors/ farm equipment.
• Must be computer literate.
• C1 Driver’s License with PDP.
• Willingness to work overtime incl. shifts, weekends/ holidays when required.

Duties and responsibilities

• To continuously liaise with farm managers and internal departments on an ongoing basis to ensure quality services and products.
• Drive the company vehicle transporting the team safely to and from work, and between various farm chicken houses once the cleaning is complete.
• Manage the day-to-day activities and out-puts of the team.
• Ensure clean overalls for the team are received daily from the abattoir.
• Ensure PPE is worn at the start of every shift (work overalls for private clothes).
• Optimize labour to ensure all personnel are utilized effectively.
• Mentor and train all employees to establish and maintain standards, best practices, and processes.
• Supervise and identify training needs to optimize skills set of the team.
• Support and advises all staff on the execution of their tasks.
• Ensure that all staff is working according to safety regulations.
• Continuously monitor and minimise damage to buildings during the litter removal process to prevent possible financial losses.
• Ensure all Operators licences are valid and ensure early renewal.
• Performs work inspections and checks for completeness of tasks.
• Ensure all litter/ manure is removed from all chicken houses.
• Ensure that mortalities are removed from the building with the farm manager before litter is removed.
• Go through the building before litter is removed and point out any damage to the farm manager and record it on the dry clean check list.
• After every building’s litter have been removed, go through the building with the farm manager for any damage caused and report same to the GFC office to get a CCR number.
• Complete the dry clean checklist with the farm manager before and after the buildings’ litter has been removed.
• Ensure all litter/ manure is loaded on vehicles for safe removal.
• Ensure that the telescopic units do not get too close to the sides of the building and damage property.
• Complete all documentation accurately and in full on a daily basis – Range: Documents include, but are not limited to:
• Supervisor check sheets
• Vehicle/ equipment check sheets
• Maintenance and Repair Job Cards
• Diesel usage Reports
• End-of-shift Report
• Staff overtime sheets
• Monthly mechanical repair reports
• Service records and schedules of repairs done onsite
• Complete the required checklists daily and submit to the Admin Office.
• Report all faults and dangers on the premises to line manager.
• Complete and/or update the prescribed reports and/or documentation.
• Ensure all staff follow the rules on each farm such as security
• Ensure staff conduct themselves according to the company code of conduct when interacting with other farm personnel.
• Mechanical Responsibilities:
  • Examine and conduct daily inspections on all farm equipment under your care, and identify problems and repairs needed.
  • Complete the required mechanical work order/s, detailing what must be done, what parts/spares must be used, and the time required to complete the repairs.
  • Ensure there are sufficient spares and tools available for repairs needed to be done by yourself.
  • Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and equipment.
  • Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
  • Note wear patterns and make maintenance recommendations.
  • Ensure vehicle/equipment safety procedures are followed to avoid damage to engine components.
  • Operate equipment and carry out all duties in a safe manner.
  • Conduct routine and preventative maintenance checks on equipment according to the relevant standard operating procedure.
  • Ensure all repairs are carried out according to procedures and OEM standards.
  • Conduct quality checks (QA) by retesting equipment to ensure problem has been repaired.
  • Maintain a tool register for all tools used in the repair and maintenance of equipment.
  • Provide mechanical expertise and assistance to employees within your team.
  • Arrange for immediate repairs of all faults outside your scope on equipment.
  • Scheduled maintenance by the workshop must be done timeously on all equipment.
  • Keep accurate and detailed records of preventative maintenance checks and repairs completed by yourself.
• Continuously comply with Health and safety legislation in order to prevent injuries.
• Any other duties as may be required by management.

 Skills Required

• Good mathematical/ analytical skills.
• Organisation and Coordination skills.
• People Management and development skills.
• Understand and able to apply Labour Relations Procedures.
• Good communication skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good reporting skills.
• Good planning skills.
• Problem solver.
• Team player.
• Be self-motivated, enthusiastic and trustworthy.
• Able to work under pressure.

The company can expire jobs at any time at our own discretion. Should you not have received a response within 4 weeks of the closing date of this advert, please consider your application as unsuccessful.