Hatchery Worker - Separator

Maple Leaf Foods Inc.; New Hamburg; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay progression

Pension after 1 year

Health benefits after 3 months

Job summary

Maple Leaf Foods is seeking a Hatchery Worker – Separator in New Hamburg, Ontario. The role involves safely separating chicks from hatch debris and ensuring humane handling in line with CFIA and NFACC guidelines.

You will operate the separator, inspect work areas, and support welfare standards in a fast-paced hatchery environment. The position offers hourly pay in the $21.40–$22.40 range, pension eligibility after one year, and health benefits after three months.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Physically capable of lifting up to [weight] lbs.
• Strong attention to detail and safety.
• Previous experience in manufacturing or food production (asset).
• Reliable transportation to work site.

Responsibilities

• Safely remove stacks of chick baskets from hatchers using Cart Caddy and Power Tug, following proper safety, quality, and animal welfare procedures.
• Assess general flock conditions and report any signs of delayed hatching, distress, or poor chick condition to the Supervisor.
• Set up and operate the separator machine to ensure effective separation of chicks and hatch debris.
• Perform visual checks of the upper catch area, cage area, Remote Video Auditing station, floors, equipment, and catch trays to ensure any live chicks are handled appropriately.
• Manually load chicks onto the conveyor when high volumes of infertile eggs are present to prevent contact with yolk.
• Remove cull chicks from separator boxes, performing humane euthanasia of embryos or chicks when necessary, including operating the macerator.
• Dispose of egg waste and hatch debris in accordance with established procedures.

Skills

Fast-paced environment

Weightlifting requirement

Attention to detail

Manufacturing/food production exposure

Reliability to commute

Job description

Hatchery Worker - Separator

• Location: 70 Heritage Drive, New Hamburg
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Posting Date: 10/08/2026
• Application Deadline: 10/15/2026
• Shift Details: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5am to finish (shifts may be subject to change)
• Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount

About Us

We’re a carbon-neutral food company on a mission to Raise the Good in Food—through better nutrition, safer workplaces, humane animal care, and sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We also work to reduce food insecurity in Canada. Join us and help build a better future.

Position Summary

The Separator is responsible for safely and efficiently separating chicks from hatch debris and ensuring proper handling of animals. This position supports operational standards procedures outlined in the CFIA Hatchery Preventive Control Plan and the NFACC Code of Practice while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely remove stacks of chick baskets from hatchers using Cart Caddy and Power Tug, following proper safety, quality, and animal welfare procedures.
• Assess general flock conditions and report any signs of delayed hatching, distress, or poor chick condition to the Supervisor.
• Set up and operate the separator machine to ensure effective separation of chicks and hatch debris.
• Perform visual checks of the upper catch area, cage area, Remote Video Auditing station, floors, equipment, and catch trays to ensure any live chicks are handled appropriately.
• Manually load chicks onto the conveyor when high volumes of infertile eggs are present to prevent contact with yolk.
• Remove cull chicks from separator boxes, performing humane euthanasia of embryos or chicks when necessary, including operating the macerator.
• Dispose of egg waste and hatch debris in accordance with established procedures.

What’s in it for you?

• $21.40 - $22.40 per hour (based on progression)
• Pension eligibility after 1 year of service
• Health Benefits after 3 months of employment

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Physically capable of lifting up to [weight] lbs
• Strong attention to detail and safety
• Previous experience in manufacturing or food production (asset)
• Reliable transportation to work site

Position ID:2026-NHB-31

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We champion diversity and inclusion as part of our purpose and vision, living our Leadership Values and driving results. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired.

We confirm that AI tools are not utilized in the evaluation or selection of candidates within our hiring process.