Incubation/Egg Room Associate
Aviagen · Blairsville
Job Description Summary:
The Poultry room associate is responsible for the safe handling, movement, storage, and preparation of eggs throughout the hatchery process. This position supports daily hatchery operations by ensuring eggs are handled with care, production schedules are met, and hatchery equipment and work areas are maintained in accordance with company standards for biosecurity, sanitation, animal welfare, and safety.The Egg room associate works closely with hatchery leadership and team members to maintain egg quality, support hatch performance, and contribute to the overall success of poultry production operations.
Job Description:
- Tray fertile eggs and load incubator racks according to established production schedules.
- Transfer eggs from incubators to hatchers following company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Load and unload eggs from delivery vehicles while ensuring proper handling techniques to maintain egg quality.
- Inspect eggs during handling and report any quality concerns or irregularities to hatchery leadership.
- Enter egg set and production information accurately into the hatchery management system.
- Monitor incubators, hatchers, and related equipment to ensure proper operation and promptly report equipment issues.
- Clean and disinfect egg rooms, work areas, equipment, plastic trays, racks, boxes, and other hatchery materials according to established sanitation and biosecurity procedures.
- Assist with preventative maintenance and basic repairs of hatchery buildings and equipment as assigned.
- Respond to after-hours maintenance needs during scheduled callback rotations.
- Support hatchery operations by assisting with production and maintenance duties during vacations, absences, or periods of increased workload.
- Maintain accurate production records and complete required documentation.
- Follow all company Animal Welfare Standards, Biosecurity Policies, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- In the absence of a supervisor or lead employee, assist with coordinating daily work assignments to ensure production schedules are completed.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
- Previous egg handling or hatchery experience preferred.
- Knowledge of egg handling procedures and proper care of fertile eggs.
- Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify equipment issues and perform minor maintenance tasks.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and attention to detail.
- Basic math skills, including the ability to perform simple calculations and maintain accurate records.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Dependable attendance and strong work ethic.
- Good verbal communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback schedules as operational needs require.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Understanding of hatchery operations and egg handling best practices.
- Commitment to maintaining egg quality throughout the incubation process.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to recognize equipment concerns and communicate maintenance needs.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping.
- Commitment to biosecurity, sanitation, safety, and animal welfare standards.
- Ability to adapt to changing production priorities while maintaining quality standards.
Physical Requirements
- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Frequently bend, stoop, squat, reach, and twist.
- Lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements while handling eggs, trays, racks, and equipment.
- Operate hand tools and basic maintenance equipment safely.
- Work safely around moving equipment and hatchery machinery.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, hearing protection, eye protection, coveralls, hairnets, and safety footwear.
Working Conditions
This position is performed in a poultry hatchery environment.
Employees may regularly be exposed to:
- Fertile eggs and hatchery operations.
- Agricultural dust, feathers, and hatchery-related odors.
- Cleaning chemicals, detergents, disinfectants, and sanitation products.
- Wet and humid work areas.
- Temperature-controlled environments with varying heat and humidity levels.
- Equipment noise requiring hearing protection.
- Strict biosecurity procedures designed to protect flock health.
Work schedules may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and rotating callback assignments to support hatchery operations.
Benefits
Aviagen provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Eligible employees may participate in medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents.
Additional benefits include:
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match (where eligible)
- Career development and training opportunities
- Company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with Aviagen.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Aviagen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.