Assistant Hatchery Manager

Aviagen; Lewisburg (WV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviagen is seeking a Hatchery Manager in Lewisburg, West Virginia. The successful candidate will plan and implement policies for hatchery operations ensuring goals are met. This role requires managing hatchery activities, overseeing quality assurance, and maintaining compliance with animal welfare guidelines. Ideal candidates have a degree in Poultry Science or relevant experience, alongside at least four years in a hatchery setting and two years in supervisory roles. Strong leadership and technical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive hatchery experience or combination of hatchery and poultry industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a similar environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate people.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate hatchery activities including incubation and hatching.
• Oversee quality assurance/control program.
• Maintain hatchery sanitation and safety policies.

Skills

Leadership

Delegation

Planning

Communication Skills

Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science or related field

8 years equivalent education and experience

Tools

MS Office programs

Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems

Job description

Job Description Summary

Aviagen is hiring an ideal candidate for the position of Hatchery Manager. Primary responsibility for this role will be to plan, develop and implement policies and practices for operation of the hatchery, ensuring attainment of goals and profitable operation, and direct strategic operational plans in hatching eggs and chick production. This position will also be responsible for compliance with all company policies, NCC Animal Guidelines, and local, state and federal policies, laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate hatchery activities, including egg pick‑up and deliveries, care, incubation and hatching, grading, vaccination, and preparation and shipping of chicks.
• Manage and coordinate maintenance of the facility and equipment.
• Manage chick care, maintenance, packing and transfer activities.
• Oversee the Quality Assurance/Quality Control program.
• Communicate with and assist the Breeder Manager to determine egg needs.
• Communicate and coordinate with contract service providers where applicable.
• Manage and maintain weekly hatch schedules to provide the proper number of birds to the processing plant.
• Monitor and manage facility equipment and repairs, addressing maintenance issues.
• Maintain hatchery sanitation.
• Establish and manage safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and information regarding hatchery equipment and operations.
• Manage reports, review and analyze them, and perform corrective measures.
• Responsible for the hatchery budget.
• Manage the quality of the Embrex program.
• Manage the 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.

Qualifications

• Direct supervision of 2 – 4 salaried employees (Superintendent, Supervisor, Clerk, etc.).
• Oversee supervision of 20 – 25 hourly and salaried employees.
• Leadership position with required competencies: delegation, conflict management, planning, sizing up people and customer focus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, Management or a related field from an accredited institution, OR 8 years equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive hatchery experience or a combination of hatchery and relative poultry industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisor experience within a similar environment.
• Extensive maintenance knowledge, e.g., electrical, mechanical, PLC operations, heating and cooling, hydraulics.
• Knowledge of Department of Transportation, State and Federal Laws.
• Previous hatchery management experience.
• Advanced poultry science knowledge.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate people.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of math functions and skills.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of financial terms and reporting.
• 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.
• Understanding and interpretation of data while drawing logical conclusions based on available inputs.
• Critical thinking skills in standardized situations as well as non‑routine problems.
• Management of multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and prioritization of work accordingly.
• Basic reasoning skills and ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.