Poultry Selection Assistant

Aviagen; Lewisburg (KY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviagen Turkeys Inc. is seeking a Poultry Selection Assistant to support the Genomics team in turkey selection and data collection. You will prepare pens, gather birds, and present them for evaluation, ensuring accurate identification and humane handling in a fast-paced environment.

You will record measurements, maintain data integrity, and follow biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines while collaborating with farm staff to maintain smooth workflow.

Responsibilities

• Prepare pens, staging areas, lanes, equipment, and supplies before selection or measurement activities begin.
• Locate and gather the correct turkeys by flock, pen, group, or other assigned identifier and move them calmly and safely to the selection area.
• Catch, hold, position, and present birds in a consistent manner so authorized team members can evaluate or measure them efficiently.
• Maintain each bird's identity and group assignment throughout the process; prevent mix-ups when birds are moved, measured, selected, separated, or returned.
• Observe birds during handling and immediately report signs of injury, illness, excessive stress, missing identification, or other concerns.
• Read and confirm individual bird identification before recording information; collect assigned measurements and observations using scales and measuring equipment.
• Enter or record information accurately in the required paper or electronic system and follow established data-entry order and naming conventions.
• Follow daily work assignments and communicate clearly with coworkers to maintain safe movement, accurate identification, and efficient workflow.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and properly store or return equipment after use.
• Participate in required training and demonstrate continued proficiency in bird handling, measurement procedures, data entry, biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare.

Job description

Job Description Summary:Aviagen Turkeys Inc. is looking for a Poultry Selection Assistant. This employee supports the Genomics team during turkey selection and data collection. The employee gathers, moves, catches, holds, and presents turkeys for evaluation; records bird identification and assigned measurements; and maintains an orderly selection workflow. The role requires humane bird handling, close attention to detail, dependable teamwork, and strict compliance with biosecurity, animal-welfare, safety, and data-integrity requirements.Job Description:Selection Support and Bird HandlingPrepare pens, staging areas, lanes, equipment, and supplies before selection or measurement activities begin.Locate and gather the correct turkeys by flock, pen, group, or other assigned identifier and move them calmly and safely to the selection area.Catch, hold, position, and present birds in a consistent manner so authorized team members can evaluate or measure them efficiently.Maintain each bird's identity and group assignment throughout the process; prevent mix-ups when birds are moved, measured, selected, separated, or returned.Move birds to the correct designated pen or category according to selector instructions and assist with counts or reconciliation when requested.Observe birds during handling and immediately report signs of injury, illness, excessive stress, missing identification, or other concerns.Data Collection and IntegrityRead and confirm individual bird identification, such as wing bands, leg bands, tags, pen numbers, or electronic identifiers, before recording information.Collect assigned measurements and observations, including body weight and other approved selection or phenotype data, using scales, electronic devices, and measuring equipment as trained.Enter or record information accurately and completely in the required paper or electronic system and follow established data-entry order and naming conventions.Team and Operational SupportFollow daily work assignments and technical direction from Genomics, Selection, Farm, and other authorized team members.Communicate clearly with coworkers to maintain safe bird movement, accurate identification, and efficient workflow.Maintain a clean, organized work area and properly store, charge, or return equipment and supplies after use.Participate in required training and demonstrate continued proficiency in bird handling, measurement procedures, data entry, biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare.Provide service-crew or other farm support related to selection activities as workload requires and perform other related duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAbility to handle live poultry calmly, confidently, and humanely in a fast-moving team environment.Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate bird identification, counts, measurements, and records.Basic math skills and ability to read scales, measurements, labels, and identification numbers accurately.Ability to learn and consistently follow detailed written, verbal, and demonstrated procedures.Ability to use or learn handheld scanners, scales, tablets, computers, and other data-collection equipment used by the team.Dependability, punctuality, and willingness to complete repetitive work without sacrificing accuracy or animal care.Ability to work cooperatively, accept direction, communicate concerns promptly, and adjust to changing flock and selection needs.Ability to protect confidential information and follow established data-integrity practices.Physical RequirementsRegularly stand and walk for extended periods on concrete, litter, uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach, grasp, and use repetitive hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, and back movements while gathering, catching, holding, and moving turkeys.Safely lift, carry, hold, and restrain live turkeys and job-related equipment within the weight limits established for the work area, using team lifts or mechanical assistance when required.Maintain the balance, coordination, grip strength, and mobility needed to work safely around moving birds, gates, pens, carts, crates, and equipment.Wear required personal protective equipment and complete required biosecurity entry and exit procedures.Benefits:Aviagen Turkey's Inc. provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the healthcare and financial well-being of our employees. Aviagen offers medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of Plan documents. Additionally, you will be eligible for company observed paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on your hire date.