Job Title : A-Shift Alley Buyer

Location : Columbus Junction, IA

Employment Type : Permanent, Onsite

Salary : $50,000 – $60,000 / year

Job Summary

The Alley Buyer plays a critical role in managing livestock within a hog yard environment. Responsibilities include sorting, counting, weighing, tattooing, and penning animals, along with mastering Client Pork Procurement Programs, carcass merit information, weight docks, kill sheet information, and other buying procedures. Additionally, the Alley Buyer will serve as a station relief buyer in the absence of the manager, covering for training and vacation periods. This role offers a growth path toward becoming a Hog Buyer within the Client's organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Sort, count, weigh, and tattoo hogs in the hog yard.
• Pen animals in designated areas based on the Client's guidelines.
• Master Client Pork Procurement Programs, including carcass merit and kill sheet processes.
• Understand and apply weight dock principles and various buying procedures.
• Act as a station relief buyer in the manager’s absence, covering for training or vacation.
• Ensure adherence to Client’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for animal handling, safety, and compliance with USDA regulations.

Requirements

• Education : Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or a related field (candidates graduating in December 2024 or May 2025 may apply, with employment contingent on degree completion).
• Experience : Livestock experience is highly preferred.
• Communication Skills : Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Computer Skills : Basic computer skills are required.
• Travel : Must be available for overnight travel as needed.
• Physical Requirements :
• Bending : Minimal, as most animal handling will rely on vocal commands.
• Lifting : Minimal; tools like flag and tattoo hammers weigh less than 5 pounds.
• Grasping : Full-hand grasp is required for handling tools and gates.
• Standing : Must be able to stand or walk for the entire shift.
• Force : Moderate to heavy force may be required to assist with downed hogs.

Work Environment

• Must wear safety gear, including a hard hat, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection.
• Temperatures will vary based on seasonal conditions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role has limited supervisory duties, providing support in specific tasks as needed.

Additional Information

• Relocation : Yes, available nationwide.
• Work Hours : Fixed schedule, no flexibility.