Poultry Farmer
SOC 11-9013.00 · ESCO 1311 · OSCA 152935
Role snapshot
Overview
Raises chickens, ducks, or other birds for eggs or meat, managing housing environments, feeding schedules, and disease prevention programs. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of a poultry farm, tracking production data, maintaining specialized equipment like incubators and climate systems, and ensuring strict compliance with animal welfare, biosecurity, and food safety standards.
Contributes to food security by providing essential protein sources (meat and eggs) to consumers, while upholding animal welfare and rigorous food safety standards.
On the job
- Manage feeding and watering systems, ensuring consistent access to nutrients for poultry.
- Monitor bird health daily, identifying signs of disease or distress and administering basic veterinary care.
- Clean and sanitize poultry housing, coops, and related equipment to maintain biosecurity and hygiene.
- Collect, sort, and package eggs or prepare birds for processing according to quality standards.
- Track production records, inventory levels, and operational data for analysis and reporting.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Vocational training, diploma, or on-the-job experience in animal husbandry or agricultural science is typically required.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Poultry Farmer
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
enterprising · ERC
Individuals who thrive on practical, hands-on work with animals and equipment, enjoy structured routines, and are entrepreneurial in managing farm operations often find success in this role.
Personality characteristics
Practical
Focuses on tangible results and efficient, proven methods for animal care and farm management, rather than abstract theories.
Diligent
Consistently follows strict schedules for feeding, cleaning, and health checks to ensure optimal bird welfare and production.
Independent
Comfortable working alone or with a small team, often requiring self-reliance and initiative in daily tasks.
Responsible
Dedicated to the welfare of the animals and committed to maintaining high standards of food safety and ethical practices.
Resilient
Manages the challenges inherent in farming, such as disease outbreaks or equipment failures, with a calm and steady approach.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy working with animals and operating farm equipment.
- Those who prefer a structured, independent work environment with clear daily responsibilities.
- People committed to producing food and ensuring animal welfare.
Watch out for
- Requires regular weekend and early morning work, as animal care is a 24/7 responsibility.
- Can involve physically demanding tasks and exposure to outdoor elements and farm environments.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Poultry Farmer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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