Penchecker (Herdsperson)

CORE PURPOSE: To grow food better and enrich the lives of our people.

CORE VALUES: TEAMWORK | ADAPTABILITY | RESPECT | POSITIVE ATTITUDE | DEPENDABILITY

We are a family owned custom cattle feeding and farming business with four feedlot locations in southern Alberta: The Home Lot and North Lot near Coaldale, HWY 52 near Raymond and Sandy Hill near Taber. Kasko Cattle is proud to be a progressive, customer-centered feedlot and farming business. The four feed lots have a standing capacity of over 45,000 head. They focus heavily on consistency, food safety and environmental and economic sustainability.

We are looking for an EXPERIENCED Penchecker with 1+ years of experience. 

This is for our Sandy Hill location, 10 minutes east of Taber, AB. 

This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. The applicant must be able to work every other weekend. 

JOB SUMMARY: 

The primary role of the Pen Checker is to maintain health and welfare of cattle and perform disease prevention activities. The Pen Checker will identify, pull, and treat sick or injured cattle in a timely manner to ensure cattle health.  The Pen Checker plays a critical role in working with Kasko Cattle's veterinarian to ensure cattle are treated appropriately.  The Pen Checker is responsible for keeping accurate records of treatment cattle receive sine this is essential for safe shipping.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR AND WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY? 

We are looking for people who are integrity driven, motivated and flexible to join our team. We require individuals to have strong communication skills, animal herd health knowledge and be safety orientated. We offer competitive pay, the ability to be home during most evenings to spend time with your family, guaranteed hours, excellent benefits, and potential housing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and move cattle from one area to another, including shipping and receiving cattle.


• Follow all procedures for handling, restraining, and moving cattle.


• Communicate regarding cattle movements.


• Clean and maintain facilities, pens, and equipment daily.


• Clean and maintain water bowls regularly.


• Monitor physical condition and health of cattle; ensure cattle are pulled and treated in a humane and timely manner.


• Assist veterinarians when required and as directed including examination and treatment of animals.


• Enter animal health into computer health program.


• Ensure downer cattle receive proper feed and water.


• Euthanize animals as necessary; following all euthanasia protocols. 
  


• Other duties as assigned by Feedlot Manager.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Reliability


• Attention to Detail


• Adaptability/Flexibility


• Integrity Driven


• Teamwork


• Initiative


• Motivation/Responsibility


• Safety Oriented


• Written & Oral communication


• Cattle Health Knowledge


• Basic Computer Skills


• Cattle Handling Knowledge & Skills

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The pen checker will have regular daily communication with feed truck drivers, front end crew, and the feedlot manager. They will also have occasional communication with other managers, as required. They may have occasional communication with customers, contractors and delivery personnel.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma is an asset. 


• Post Secondary Education in a related field is an asset. 


• Experience working in the Agriculture industry is required.


• Experience working on a feedlot is required.


• Experience working with cattle and cattle health knowledge is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Those in this position generally work 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM but could be required to work earlier and/or later to meet organizational needs. This position is exposed to all environmental conditions working outdoors.  This includes but not limited to exposure to the elements such as sun, wind, rain, snow, hot and cold temperatures.  Those working this position should wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions each day.

BENEFITS:

Full-time, permanent incumbents of this position are eligible for company benefits programs including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance benefits, after three months of employment. Company paid pension plan benefits are available after one year of employment.

REMUNERATION:

Remuneration for this position is based on experience and quality of work. Incumbents of this position accrue 4% vacation. 

DRIVER’S LICENSE: Class 5 required.