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Poultry Supervisor job description

A Poultry Supervisor runs the daily operations of a poultry farm, managing feeding, bird health, biosecurity and production. The role reports to the Farm Manager or a poultry manager. A good poultry supervisor keeps the birds healthy and productive, holds feed conversion and mortality within target, keeps biosecurity tight to prevent disease, manages feeding, water and climate in the sheds, keeps records of production and feed, guides the farm workers, and keeps the flock performing so egg or broiler output stays on target through the cycle.

DetailFor this role
DepartmentAgriculture and Food Processing
LevelEntry level
Reports toFarm Manager
Direct reportsNone
Experience2 to 5 years in poultry farm operations

Poultry Supervisor job description template

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Job title: Poultry Supervisor

Department: Agriculture and Food Processing

Reports to: Farm Manager

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

A Poultry Supervisor runs the daily operations of a poultry farm, managing feeding, bird health, biosecurity and production. The role reports to the Farm Manager or a poultry manager. A good poultry supervisor keeps the birds healthy and productive, holds feed conversion and mortality within target, keeps biosecurity tight to prevent disease, manages feeding, water and climate in the sheds, keeps records of production and feed, guides the farm workers, and keeps the flock performing so egg or broiler output stays on target through the cycle.

Key responsibilities

  • Run the daily operations of the poultry sheds through the production cycle.
  • Manage feeding, water and feed schedules for the flock.
  • Watch bird health and coordinate vaccination and treatment with the vet.
  • Keep biosecurity tight to prevent disease entering the farm.
  • Manage shed climate, ventilation, litter and stocking density for the flock.
  • Keep feed conversion and mortality within the target for the cycle.
  • Record daily production, feed, mortality and bird weight in the register.
  • Manage the farm workers and allocate their daily tasks and duties.
  • Keep the sheds, equipment and hygiene in good order.
  • Coordinate placement, catching and dispatch of birds with the team.

Requirements

  • Diploma or degree in poultry, veterinary or agriculture
  • Knowledge of poultry management and biosecurity
  • Hands on poultry experience is an advantage
  • 2 to 5 years in poultry farm operations

KRAs and KPIs for a Poultry Supervisor

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result areaHow to measure it
Feed conversionFeed conversion ratio within the agreed target for the cycle
MortalityBird mortality kept below the agreed level
ProductionEgg or broiler production against the agreed target
BiosecurityBiosecurity checks completed with no breach during the cycle
Body weightFlock body weight or uniformity within the agreed target
RecordsDaily production and feed records kept accurate above target

Skills and tools

Poultry managementFeeding managementBird healthBiosecurityShed climate managementRecord keepingWorker supervisionObservationReliabilityPractical judgement

Tools used day to day: Feeding and watering systems, Weighing scales, Climate control equipment, Record tools, Biosecurity supplies.

Reporting line and career path

Farm ManagerPoultry Supervisor
Moves up from: Farm Worker, Poultry Assistant, Diploma Holder
Next roles: Farm Manager, Poultry Manager, Production Supervisor

Interview questions for a Poultry Supervisor

  1. How do you keep feed conversion within target through a cycle?
  2. How do you keep bird mortality low?
  3. How do you keep biosecurity tight on a poultry farm?
  4. How do you manage shed climate and ventilation?
  5. How do you spot a disease problem early in the flock?
  6. How do you keep accurate daily production and feed records?

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Frequently asked questions

What does a Poultry Supervisor do?

A Poultry Supervisor runs the daily operations of a poultry farm, managing feeding, bird health, biosecurity and production. They keep birds healthy and productive, hold feed conversion and mortality within target, keep biosecurity tight, manage shed climate, keep records and guide the workers, keeping the flock performing through the cycle.

What is feed conversion ratio in poultry?

Feed conversion ratio, or FCR, is the amount of feed used to produce a unit of output, such as a kilogram of body weight or a dozen eggs. A lower FCR means the birds convert feed efficiently, which controls cost. Poultry supervisors manage feeding and health to keep FCR within target.

What qualifications does a Poultry Supervisor need?

Most roles ask for a diploma or degree in poultry, veterinary or agriculture with knowledge of poultry management and biosecurity, and hands on experience helps. Employers value feeding, health and biosecurity skills and careful record keeping, since flock performance and disease control decide the farm output.