Hatchery Associate I

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:

• Assists with the supervision of activities of the hatchery employees as required
• Monitors poultry health and takes proper and immediate steps to prevent and treat diseases
• Gain familiarity with controller and ventilation systems and adjust ventilation and heat in accordance to incubation guidelines and manager’s instructions
• Gain familiarity with hatchers and incubators
• Assists the supervisor with implementation of poultry practices as outlined in Hatchery SOP and other communications
• Assures that hatchery equipment is properly maintained
• Implements power and emergency procedures when needed
• Meets required hatchery schedules by providing proper cleaning, disinfecting and set up for placements
• Maintains the hatchery premises, buildings, and equipment in a clean, safe and orderly manner at all times which includes monitoring and troubleshooting issues with hatchers, incubators, injectors etc.
• Assists with work schedule development
• Complete and maintain supplies for bird services such as vaccines, wing bands, spray vaccines, and injectors independently or while leading a team
• Adheres to all Safety, Biosecurity and Animal Welfare programs in collaboration with the Veterinary Services and EHS Departments
• Ensures compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Responsible for all hatchery data entry, as directed by hatchery manager
• Assist in the oversight of proper training of new members of the crew
• Complete and Oversee weekly & monthly test sampling, including but not limited to: water samples, vaccine samples, and completing all submission forms in their entirety
• Follow established guidelines in regards to directing hourly employees (without disciplinary oversight)
• Performs any and all functions as assigned by Hatchery Manager or Production Team Management with no unreported issues

Job Qualifications:

• Ability to understand oral and written instructions, and perform high level tasks under direct instruction of the Hatchery Supervisor or Production Team
• Microsoft office Computer Skills
• Ability to maintain and record data pertinent to hatchery operations without error
• Ability to trouble-shoot hatchery equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively with both lower and higher ranked individuals
• Ability to lead the hatchery in the event of the Hatchery Manager absence
• High school graduate level proficiency in reading, writing, and arithmetic
• Must be able to complete repetitive work and stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work under pressure
• 5 years’ experience in hatchery or as a hatchery Supervisor

Physical Requirements:

• Work with chemicals, such as detergents, disinfectants
• Standing 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 stoop repetitively throughout out shift
• Prolonged exposure to dry and dusty environments

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 odours
• Climate exposure both hot and cold
• Working in damp and/or wet environment
• Working in a loud/noisy environment

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.