Hatchery Processing Crew Lead - 1st Shift

Perdue Farms, Inc.; Hurlock (MD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Rx

401(k) with employer match

Critical illness insurance

Accident insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability protection

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Perdue Farms, Inc. seeks a Hatchery Processing Crew Lead to oversee chick processing operations, ensuring accurate records and proper flock separation. You will manage hatch counts, vaccine logistics, and documentation to support smooth processing line flow and animal well-being.

The base rate is $19.59 per hour with opportunities for pay premiums, shift differentials, overtime, and a bonus based on performance. A comprehensive benefits package accompanies this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Maintained a minimum of six months of continuous employment.
• Preferred Education and Experience: High School or equivalent is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lift 10 lb. boxes of chicks from conveyor approx.12” from the floor and stack on pallets approximately 5.5’ high, push loaded dollies weighing 105 lbs. 100ft.
• Keep accurate records of chicks hatched, box count and vaccine inventories. Process required paperwork for chick delivery. Perform all poultry care checks on time.
• Mix vaccine for spray cabinet using proper vaccine mixing procedures. Personal protective equipment must be worn when mixing.
• Check each flock of chicks for box count accuracy and chick quality by manually and visually checking full boxes of chicks. Be able to make counter adjustments for counting accuracy as needed.
• Assist in sliding empty boxes onto the box de-stacker, always keeping it full.
• Assist in sliding full boxes off the box re-stacker onto pallets. Understand the proper operation of the de-stacker, re-stacker and be able to adjust.
• Any other duties assigned by management.

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

As a Hatchery Processing Crew Lead, you play a key role in ensuring accuracy, care, and coordination throughout the chick processing operation. You lead the effort to keep flocks properly separated, maintain precise hatch and box counts, and manage critical documentation tied to chick delivery. From preparing vaccines according to standard procedures to supporting box flow on the processing line, you help keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. By completing poultry care checks on schedule and maintaining accurate records, you directly support animal well-being, quality standards, and the success of our hatchery operations.

This position has a base rate of $19.59 per hour, with opportunities for pay premiums, shift differentials, and overtime where applicable. Annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and paid time off.

Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 6:00am-3:30pm. Wednesday 7:00am-12:00pm

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lift 10 lb. boxes of chicks from conveyor approx.12” from the floor and stack on pallets approximately 5.5’ high, push loaded dollies weighing 105 lbs. 100ft.

• Keep accurate records of chicks hatched, box count and vaccine inventories. Process required paperwork for chick delivery. Perform all poultry care checks on time.

• Mix vaccine for spray cabinet using proper vaccine mixing procedures. Personal protective equipment must be worn when mixing.

• Check each flock of chicks for box count accuracy and chick quality by manually and visually checking full boxes of chicks. Be able to make counter adjustments for counting accuracy as needed.

• Assist in sliding empty boxes onto the box de-stacker, always keeping it full.

• Assist in sliding full boxes off the box re-stacker onto pallets. Understand the proper operation of the de-stacker, re-stacker and be able to adjust.

• Any other duties assigned by management.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Maintained a minimum of six months of continuous employment.

Preferred Education and Experience

• High School or equivalent is beneficial but not required.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility.
• May be exposed to dust, feathers and all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Able to stand for several hours.
• Work may include lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, bending, pushing boxes on conveyor assembly.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.