Hatchery Manager I

Job Description Summary

Aviagen is seeking an outstanding individual to fill the position of Pedigree Hatchery Manager. This role will have oversite of the Walpole egg depot and the operational responsibility to plan, organize and control the day-to-day activities of the hatching and delivery of day old chicks to our own Pedigree Farms while adhering to the strictest of welfare, quality and biosecurity standards. Key responsibilities of this role include working with all R&D teams to ensure that you and your hatchery team deliver optimum hatch results and meet the highest chick quality standards while supporting the pedigree breeding program requirements within the US. This job will also be responsible for compliance with all company policies, NCC Animal Guidelines, and local, state and federal policies, laws and regulations.

Job Description

• Manage and coordinate hatchery activities: egg pick-ups, proper egg storage and sorting, incubation and hatching, grading, candling, vaccinating, preparing and shipping of chicks
• Ensure staff and operations are meeting organizational standards for biosecurity, genetic security, and animal welfare
• Manage and coordinate maintenance of facility and equipment
• Manage the grading, packing and invoicing of foundation eggs in the egg depot
• Hire, train, evaluate and discipline hatchery staff
• Assist Breeder Managers in projecting eggs needed to meet chick numbers
• Communicate with Program Geneticist and R & D management to meet needs of the program
• Communicate and coordinate with contract service providers where applicable
• Manage and maintain weekly hatch schedules
• Monitor and manage facility equipment and repairs, addressing maintenance issues
• Maintain highest level of hatchery sanitation
• Organize with laboratory to ensure accurate and routine sample collections
• Establish and manage safety policies and procedures
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and information regarding hatchery equipment and operations
• Review and analyze reports, performing corrective measures when needed
• Responsible for the hatchery budget and arranging for the purchase of equipment and supplies
• Manage Animal Welfare Program
• Comply with safety and corporate guidelines on business ethics
• Comply with all company policies, NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines, and local, state and federal laws, and regulations
  
  

Job Qualifications

• Direct supervision of 10-12 hourly employees
• This is a leadership position with required competencies in: Delegation, Data Management, Scheduling, Conflict Management, Planning, Sizing up People and Customer Focus
• Bachelor’s Degree in Poultry Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, Management or related field from an accredited institution OR 8 years of equivalent education and experience
• Minimum 4 years of progressive hatchery experience or combination of hatchery and relative poultry industry experience
• Minimum 2 years of supervisor experience within similar environment
• Knowledge of basic Department of Transportation regulations
• Previous hatchery management experience preferred
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate people
• Practical computer skills with solid knowledge of MS Office programs
• Advanced organizational skills, with attention to detail
• Demonstrated sound work ethic, honesty and moral character
• Understand and interpret data while drawing logical conclusions based on available inputs
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills in standardized situations as well as non-routine problems
• Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and prioritize work accordingly
• Basic reasoning skills and carries out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time (6 hours).
• Grip, grasp and/or twist using hands and wrists.
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50lbs.
• Bend and stoop periodically throughout shift.
  
  

Work Environment

• Primarily office, hatchery and warehouse conditions.
• May require visits to bio-secure farm and hatchery locations on occasion to remain familiar with data collection practices.
• Working in a loud/noisy environment during hatches
  
  

Other Conditions

• Candidate must adhere to strict confidentiality rules with regards to data handling.
• For bio-security purposes, candidate cannot own or house any wild or domesticated avian species.
• Candidate must adhere to a strict 72-hour quarantine period after contact with non-Hubbard avian species.
• Candidate agrees to comply with all other company bio­security, animal welfare, safety, and personal conduct policies.
  
  

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.