Gamebird Production Manager

East Texas A&M University; Commerce (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

East Texas A&M University is seeking a Gamebird Production Manager to lead the Lyon Center’s gamebird production program. You will manage day-to-day operations, ensure biosecurity, supervise staff, and align production with ongoing research and conservation goals.

The role requires 5+ years in poultry/gamebird production with leadership experience, strong communication, and a passion for outdoor stewardship. Opportunity to collaborate with researchers and engage with donors and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 5+ years in poultry/gamebird industry and 3+ years in leadership.
• Experience producing quail is preferred and strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day gamebird production operations and ensure biosecurity and safety compliance.
• Develops production SOPs, monitors eggs/birds, and maintains high quality standards.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate production facility staff and coordinate with researchers.
• Engage with faculty, staff, and partners to integrate research into production and sales.
• Manage facility priorities, budgets, and scheduling; support center’s mission.

Skills

Leadership

Verbal communication

Written communication

Biosecurity practices

Budget management

Organizational skills

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in applicable field

Tools

Farm machinery

Job description

Job TitleGamebird Production Manager Agency East Texas A&M University Department President's Office Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationCommerce, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Lyon Center for Gamebird Research at East Texas A&M University is a flagship research center with a mission to discover solutions for sustainable gamebird populations, train the next generation of gamebird professionals, and preserve our gamebird hunting heritage. The Lyon Center is recruiting a highly motivated and experienced Gamebird Production Manager to develop, manage, and advance the center’s gamebird production program while promoting the center’s mission. We are seeking a creative and self-motivated leader in gamebird production to join our team of dynamic and supportive staff members. Under the direction of the director of the Lyon Center, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of our gamebird production facility, including cultivating gamebirds, supervising staff, integrating research, and adhering to animal use and safety protocols, while producing top-quality gamebirds. Candidates should have experience in gamebird or poultry production, with preference given to candidates with experience in quail production and knowledge of gamebird research and conservation. We will work closely with the selected candidate to provide ample professional development, such as training opportunities, conference attendance, and career counseling. ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for gamebird production, quality control, biosecurity, equipment, maintenance, sanitation, and procurement.
• Develops and executes a gamebird production standard operating procedure
• Monitors facility to ensure a safe working environment and to meet production and research goals
• Monitors and maintains all eggs and birds daily in accordance with animal use, biosecurity, and safety protocols.
• Provides accurate bird count (within 2%) and reduced mortalities (<10%)
• Coordinates customer interactions and bird sales
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to integrate research into production
• Responsible for training, managing and evaluating performance of production facility staff
• Participates in programmatic and strategic planning for the Lyon Center
• Performs administrative tasks associated with the position and the Lyon Center
• Supports and raises awareness of the Lyon Center and its mission

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5+ years of related professional experience in the poultry or gamebird industry with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Experience producing quail is preferred. The ideal candidate has a passion for gamebirds, hunting, and the outdoors.
• Knowledge / Skills: Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience with biosecurity practices.
• Excellent leaderships skills.
• Proficient computer skills to produce production metrics and meet production goals.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent skills in community engagement.
• Experience operating farm machinery is a plus.
• Ability to: organize and prioritize work, operate within a budget, communicate effectively with supervisor and staff, adapt to changing schedules and seasonal workloads, manage facility and staff, identify problems and recommend solutions, ensure compliance, and represent the Lyon Center with professionalism.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: N/A
• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, bend, and lift for extended periods, ability to lift 50 lbs., be outdoors for extended periods, ability to communicate for the duration of shifts or events. Other Requirements: May be required to work weekends or work hours outside of a normal schedule. Possible exposure to dust, animal dander, heat/humidity, direct sunlight, animal byproducts (including mortality), precipitation, and mud.
• PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE: The ideal candidate: Has experience managing a quail production facility, supervising staff, and selling top-quality birds. Has ability to develop, manage, and advance the center’s gamebird production program Demonstrates proficiency in biosecurity and workplace safety. Demonstrates impeccable organizational and time management skills. Is detail-oriented with the ability to meet deadlines. Understands the importance of research in gamebird production. Prioritizes the mission of the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research. Exudes professionalism. Has experience working in a higher education setting or familiarity with university processes, or working with research, conservation, or non-profit organizations. Enjoys interacting with the public, donors, public agencies, and corporate and non-profit partners. Has a passion and understanding for gamebirds, conservation, and/or the outdoors.
• SUPERVISION OF OTHERS: Production facility staff

WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY?

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.
• Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.
• Academic Excellence: ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers nationally recognized academic programs.
• Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
• First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
• Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.
• Vibrant Campus Life: Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.
• Prime Location & Growth: Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.

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All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees.

The Texas A&M University System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.