Yard Driver / Jockey

Yard Driver/Jockey

Compensation: $27.50/hr Department: Internal Transportation Reports To: Fleet Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location: On Site / Both Plants Work Arrangement: In Person Shift / Schedule: 1st Shift Travel Requirements: Travel Between Plants Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview / Purpose and Scope

The Yard Driver / Jockey is responsible for safely moving trailers, containers, and trucks throughout the yard, shipping area, trailer parking area, and other assigned locations to support plant, shipping, transportation, and logistics operations. This role helps ensure empty and full containers are positioned properly, trailers are moved safely and efficiently, and equipment is maintained in safe operating condition.

This position requires a current Class A Virginia Commercial Driver's License and compliance with DOT, OSHA, company safety, health, and environmental standards. In addition to completing the standard application, candidates must also complete the required CDL background application for review.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive trucks around the yard to switch empty and full containers to and from shipping areas and trailer parking areas.
• Move trailers safely and efficiently to support shipping, receiving, production, and logistics needs.
• Drive trailers that require maintenance or service to third-party repair providers as needed.
• Implement extreme weather countermeasures on live poultry equipment.
• Perform daily housekeeping of assigned trailers and tractors.
• Operate a forklift when necessary and authorized.
• Maintain all logs and records as required by law and company policy.
• Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition and meets or exceeds DOT and OSHA standards.
• Follow all safety, health, and environmental procedures, policies, and practices.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with team members, supervisors, vendors, and others contacted during work assignments.
• Perform general labor duties outdoors and in various weather conditions as needed.
• Perform physical labor, including climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, reaching, standing for long periods, walking, lifting, and carrying boxes, tools, equipment, and materials.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Benefits: Farmer Focus offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support team members' health, financial well-being, and professional growth. Available offerings may include weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave, semi-subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options, a 401(k) plan with company match, HSA and FSA, education reimbursement opportunities, employee assistance programs (EAP), and internal learning, development, and career growth programs.

All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time.

Qualifications

• Current Class A Virginia Commercial Driver's License required.
• Motor vehicle record requirement of MVR +5.
• Ability to complete required CDL background application.
• Ability to perform general labor duties outdoors and in various weather conditions.
• Ability to safely drive trucks, trailers, and containers around the yard and assigned areas.
• Ability to maintain all logs and records as required by law and company policy.
• Ability to follow DOT, OSHA, safety, health, environmental, and company requirements.
• Ability to ensure assigned equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Ability to work assigned days and shifts, including some weekends.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to reach above shoulder level.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Related yard driver, jockey, shuttle driver, transportation, shipping, warehouse, logistics, or CDL driving experience.
• Forklift operation experience.
• Experience moving trailers in a manufacturing, production, food processing, poultry processing, transportation, or warehouse environment.
• Experience completing driver logs, equipment checks, or transportation-related documentation.
• Familiarity with DOT and OSHA safety requirements.

New team members must be able to pass a drug, alcohol and background screening post-offer and prior to the start of their employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel

Work is conducted primarily in a yard, shipping, trailer parking, transportation, and plant support environment. This role requires working outdoors in various weather conditions and may require access to production, shipping, warehouse, and live poultry equipment areas. The team member must be able to tolerate varying heat, cold, wet, and seasonal weather conditions. When entering production areas, hearing and eye protective equipment are required. Hair and beard nets are required in the production area. Additional personal protective equipment may be required based on task, location, weather conditions, and safety requirements. This position requires physical labor, including climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, reaching, reaching above shoulder level, standing for long periods, walking, lifting and carrying boxes, tools, equipment, and materials, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. The role also requires safe operation of yard vehicles, trailers, and other assigned equipment. Limited local travel may be required when moving trailers to third-party repair providers or supporting assigned transportation needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position does not have an application deadline. Farmer Focus will recruit until the role is filled.

Recruiter and Agency Disclaimer

Unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles submitted by staffing agencies, recruiters, or search firms to any Farmer Focus employee without a current written agreement and an active, role-specific request from the Recruiting team will be considered the property of Farmer Focus. Farmer Focus will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume or candidate profile.

All external recruiters and agency partners supporting Farmer Focus searches must comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including compensation transparency requirements and restrictions on seeking salary history where applicable.

About Farmer Focus

Farmer Focus exists to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is grounded in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship. Our top priorities are people, safety, and quality. At Farmer Focus, our vision is to disrupt the status quo by creating bold opportunities for people who demand more and deserve better.

EOE, including disability/vets