Hatchery Manager

Pilgrim; Douglas (GA); On-site; USD 90,005 - 109,356; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Annual bonus

Career development

Job summary

Pilgrim is seeking a Hatchery Manager to direct operations from egg reception to chick placement, including debeaking, vaccination, grading, and ensuring high-quality chicks.

The role requires budgeting, production planning, staff scheduling, and adherence to Animal Welfare and safety guidelines, with monthly performance reporting and veterinarian coordination.

Joining our Douglas, GA facility offers a path to leadership in a growing hatchery operation.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or vocational/technical certification required; Bachelor's preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of directly related experience; year-for-year substitution allowed for education.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Hatchery to produce high-quality chicks with the best hatch rate at lowest cost.
• Ensure Animal Welfare guidelines are followed by Hatchery, Tech Advisors, and Contract Producers.
• Plan production, spending, and capital improvement projects; prepare yearly budget.
• Control costs in labor, repairs, supplies, and vaccines.
• Prepare monthly reports and graphs on hatchery performance.
• Report egg fertility and hatching results to breeder department as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety guidelines (Company and OSHA).
• Complete quality assurance checks for chick quality, vaccination checks, equipment checks, and maintenance.
• Follow DOT and environmental regulations; consult with company veterinarian before changes.
• Prepare employee schedules, approve vacations, and hire new employees as needed.

Skills

MS Office

SAP

Education

Associate's Degree or vocational/technical certification

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

This position is responsible for directing operations which include receipt of fertile eggs, traying, debeaking, vaccination, grading, and placement of baby chicks at growout. This manager will also ensure that quality chicks are being produced.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the Hatchery to produce the highest quality chicks at the highest percentage hatch rate possible for the lowest cost.
• Ensure that the Hatchery, Tech Advisors, and Contract Producers follow Animal Welfare guidelines.
• Plan production, spending, and capital improvement projects.
• Prepare yearly budget for the hatchery.
• Control cost in labor, repairs, supplies, and vaccines.
• Prepare monthly reports and graphs on hatchery performance.
• Report egg fertility and hatching residue results to breeder department as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Company and OSHA safety guidelines.
• Ensure completion of all quality assurance checks for chick quality, vaccination checks, equipment checks, and maintenance work.
• Follow D.O.T. regulations as well as environmental regulations.
• Consult with company veterinarian before making changes.
• Prepare employee schedules, approve vacation requests, and hire new employees as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Typically requires an Associate's Degree or completion of a Vocational/Technical specialty certification/licensure program in a related field. Bachelor's degree in related field is preferred.

Experience

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of directly related experience. Directly related work experience will be accepted on a year-for-year basis in lieu of the educational requirement.

SKILLS

• Experience with Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).
• SAP experience preferred.

BENEFITS

• Vision, medical, and dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment.
• Paid time off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays.
• 401(k) with company match beginning after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Base salary range of $90,005 - $109,356 plus a +/- based on experience.
• Incentive pay: eligible to participate in the company's annual bonus plan. Bonus amount varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program.
• Career development: company dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs.

Drug, alcohol, and background checks are conducted for all new team members post‑offer and prior to the start of employment. Verification of employment eligibility must be documented by all new employees by the end of the third day of work.