Hatchery Lead

Job Description Summary:

Aviagen is hiring candidates for Hatcher Lead Position. This position will be responsible for assisting with Hatchery management. This role will ensure that maintenance of buildings and equipment are kept up to standards and additionally ensuring compliance of the Human resources, Animal Welfare, Safety, Workers Comp, Quality and Biosecurity programs and policies by all individuals.

Job Description:

• Perform and coordinate all processes, from receipt of settable eggs to delivery of chicks to the farms, including receiving, washing, grading, setting, candling, transfer, hatch grading, vaccination, shipment, sanitation, etc

• Provide guidance and supervision to staff. Monitor staff performance and staff development

• Perform duties related to hiring, assigning, training, disciplining and terminating hatchery employees and communicating with the Hatchery Manager along with HR consultation.

• Responsible for generating accurate on-time reports (receiving/shipping, traying/carting, candling, fertility, etc.)

• Ensure all aspects of hatchery operations are following Live Production SOPs, chick-well-being guidelines, biosecurity guidelines, staff safety programs and take appropriate action if required

• Under the direction of Hatchery Manager, ensure compliance with established SOPs by monitoring production processes, hatch performance, day-old and egg quality, equipment operation and schedule attainment requirements. Communicate to the Manager any observed irregularities

• Ensure proper operation, inspection, cleaning, monitoring and repair of all hatchery equipment. Perform minor repairs as required

• Effectively communicate with other departments of the company regarding egg/chick production, performance, condition, and other issues related to the hatchery operation

• Responsible for collecting and sending eggs, swabs and air samples for lab testing; handle communication with the lab regards to collection procedures, test results, etc

• Respond to off hour alarms, works weekends and holidays according to rotation schedule

• Cover for the Hatchery Manager when required

• Perform related duties as required

Job Qualifications:

• Knowledge or ability to gain knowledge of hatchery production and support processes, established SOPs, company policies, and state and federal regulations

• Demonstrated leadership skills

• Ability to organize and prioritize departmental needs

• Strong verbal and oral communication skills

• Ability to work effectively with others and interact with all levels of employees

• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts as needed

• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus but not essential.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.

• Supervisory or lead experience

• Ability to organize and prioritize, and supervise multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines

• Ability to independently research equipment, services and supplies specific to the hatchery operation

• One year of related experience and/or Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to handle moderate physical work

• Work with chemicals, such as detergents, disinfectants

• Stand for extended periods of time (6 hours)

• Grip, grasp or twist using hands and wrists

• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50lbs

• Bend and stop repetitively throughout out shift

• Prolonged exposure to dry and dusty environments

• Routinely work up to 6 days a week, including weekends and holidays

• Routine handling and interacting with day-old chicks

• Ongoing presence of hatchery related debris, smells and odors

• Climate exposure both hot and cold

• Working in damp and/or wet environment

• Working in a loud/noisy environment

Work Environment

• Routinely work up to 6 days a week, including weekends and holidays

• Routine handling and interacting with live poultry

• Ongoing presence of hatchery related smells or odor

• Climate exposure both hot and cold

• Working in damp and/or wet environment

• Working in a loud/noisy environment

Benefits: Aviagen 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.

Work Authorization:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at time of hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.

EEOC Statement:

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.