Driver I

Job Description Summary:

The Driver is responsible for the safe, timely, and humane transportation of day-old chicks from hatcheries to customer farms and company facilities. This position requires a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and participation in a team-driving operation to support long-haul and overnight deliveries while ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, company biosecurity standards, and animal welfare requirements. The Driver serves as a professional representative of the company by providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the safe delivery of livestock.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate a Class A commercial vehicle to transport day-old chicks to customer and company locations.

• Participate in team driving assignments to maximize efficiency and comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.

• Ensure the humane transportation of chicks by monitoring trailer environmental conditions, including temperature, ventilation, and airflow.

• Conduct thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of tractors and trailers in accordance with DOT requirements.

• Verify delivery paperwork, load counts, and customer documentation before departure and upon delivery.

• Load, secure, transport, and unload chick boxes while minimizing stress and ensuring animal welfare.

• Maintain continuous communication with dispatch, hatchery personnel, customers, and transportation management regarding delivery status and route updates.

• Promptly report vehicle issues, delays, accidents, or delivery concerns.

• Maintain accurate electronic logs, inspection reports, fuel records, mileage records, and other required documentation.

• Follow all company biosecurity protocols to prevent disease transmission between facilities.

• Ensure trucks, trailers, and equipment are cleaned and sanitized according to company standards.

• Operate company equipment in compliance with all DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and company safety policies.

• Provide courteous and professional service while interacting with customers and farm personnel.

• Assist with loading, unloading, and staging of chick shipments as operational needs require.

• Participate in required safety meetings, driver training, and continuing education programs.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.

• Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and ability to meet company driver qualification standards.

• Minimum of one (1) year of Class A commercial driving experience preferred.

• Previous livestock, poultry, agricultural, or refrigerated transportation experience is preferred.

• Team driving experience is preferred or willingness to work in a team-driving environment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of DOT regulations, FMCSA requirements, and Hours of Service (HOS) rules.

• Ability to safely operate tractor-trailer combinations in varying road and weather conditions.

• Strong commitment to safety, defensive driving, and regulatory compliance.

• Understanding of animal welfare principles and the importance of maintaining appropriate environmental conditions during transport.

• Ability to communicate effectively with dispatch, customers, and operations personnel.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Ability to solve problems and respond appropriately during transportation emergencies.

• Basic proficiency with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation, and mobile communication technology.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a driving partner.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.

• Frequently climb into and out of tractors and trailers.

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating commercial vehicles.

• Ability to work overnight, early morning, weekend, holiday, and extended driving schedules.

• Must meet all DOT physical qualification requirements.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in commercial vehicles, hatcheries, poultry farms, distribution facilities, and outdoor environments.

• Frequent overnight and multi-day travel is required.

• Team driving assignments are standard and may involve extended periods away from home.

• Exposure to varying weather conditions, road hazards, dust, feathers, noise, and agricultural environments.

• Frequent interaction with live poultry and hatchery operations.

• Must comply with all company biosecurity, sanitation, and animal welfare protocols.

Competencies

• Safety Focus

• Customer Service

• Accountability

• Dependability

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Time Management

• Attention to Detail

• Professionalism

• Adaptability

• Animal Welfare Commitment

Benefits: Aviagen USA provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the healthcare and financial well-being of our employees. Aviagen offers medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of Plan documents. Additionally, you will be eligible for company observed paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on your hire date.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.