Job Description Summary:
We are looking for a candidate for the Driver Assistant position. The Driver Assistant supports Aviagen's transportation and logistics operations by assisting drivers with the safe loading, unloading, securement, and transportation of poultry, materials, equipment, and other items as assigned. The position helps ensure transportation activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established schedules, biosecurity requirements, and company procedures.
- Assist drivers with daily transportation and logistics activities, including preparing vehicles and loads for scheduled routes.
- Assist with loading and unloading materials, equipment, supplies, and other cargo as required.
- Verify that loads are properly positioned and secured before vehicle movement and remain appropriately secured throughout transportation.
- Assist with inspecting trailers, cargo areas, loading equipment, and load-securement devices before departure..
- Assist with documentation associated with transportation, deliveries, pickups, vehicle inspections, and other assigned activities.
- Maintain appropriate communication with drivers, supervisors, farm personnel, hatchery personnel, and other employees regarding schedules, delays, vehicle concerns, or transportation issues.
- Follow established procedures for entering and exiting farms, poultry facilities, hatcheries, and other biosecure locations.
- Comply with company biosecurity procedures designed to reduce the potential for cross-contamination between farms and facilities. Follow procedures and applicable animal welfare requirements.
- Safely work around trucks, trailers, loading equipment, forklifts, and other moving vehicles and equipment.
- Use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow all applicable safety procedures.
- Maintain a valid driver's license.
- Support transportation and operational activities in other areas when business needs require.
- Perform other transportation, logistics, and operational duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum 21 years of age where required for assigned driving responsibilities.
- Valid driver's license with a driving record that meets Aviagen's established Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) requirements.
- Clean or otherwise acceptable MVR for the previous five years in accordance with company requirements..
- Ability to safely operate assigned vehicles and transportation equipment.
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, transportation procedures, safety requirements, and biosecurity protocols.
- Ability to accurately complete required vehicle, transportation, and delivery documentation.
- Basic math skills necessary to perform transportation and logistics responsibilities.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, farm personnel, and other employees.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to safety, dependability, and personal responsibility.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and variable schedules based on transportation and operational requirements..
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Work is performed in agricultural, poultry, transportation, and outdoor environments.
- Regular exposure to changing weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and other inclement weather.
- Regular work in and around poultry farms, hatcheries, transportation yards, loading areas, and other agricultural facilities.
- Exposure to poultry-related odors, dust, dirt, feathers, noise, and other conditions associated with agricultural and transportation operations.
- Ability to frequently enter and exit truck cabs and trailers throughout the work shift.
- Ability to climb, bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, grip, and perform other movements necessary for loading, unloading, and transportation activities.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials weighing up to 75 pounds when required.
- Ability to safely work around moving vehicles, trailers, loading equipment, and machinery.
- Work may occur in environments where noise levels require hearing protection.
- Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with all applicable safety and biosecurity requirements.
Safety, Biosecurity, and Animal Welfare
All employees are expected to perform their responsibilities in accordance with Aviagen safety, biosecurity, animal welfare, quality, and operational standards. Employees involved in transportation have an important responsibility to protect employees, poultry, company vehicles, equipment, and the public through safe driving and transportation practices.
Employees must immediately report unsafe conditions, vehicle or equipment concerns, accidents, biosecurity issues, animal welfare concerns, or other conditions that could affect the safe and compliant operation of Aviagen transportation activities.
Benefits
Aviagen USA provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Eligible employees may have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), telehealth services, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability benefits, subject to applicable plan terms, eligibility requirements, and governing plan documents.
Eligible employees also receive company-observed paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) in accordance with applicable company policies. PTO eligibility and accrual may be prorated based on date of hire and other applicable policy provisions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Aviagen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
