Shelbyville Hatchery - Hatchery Worker Labor HY01 - FT (1st Shift in Decherd,TN) - NOVEMBER 2026

0003 Tyson Farms, Inc.; Decherd (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) plans

Health, life, dental, vision and Rx

Job summary

Tyson Foods is a global protein company seeking an entry-level Hatchery Worker to join our hatchery team. You will transfer chicks, monitor equipment, keep records, and support hatchery operations while upholding welfare, biosecurity and safety standards.

The role requires physical stamina and attention to detail; candidates must be 18+ and able to pass background checks and a post-offer health assessment. Training will cover AWB protocols and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Basic math skills required.
• Must pass a background check.
• Completion of Animal Well-Being (AWB) training required.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age.
• Proof of authorization to work in the United States and post-offer urinalysis screening are required.

Responsibilities

• Safely transfer chicks from hatchers to chick separator areas.
• Correctly load chick trays, box chicks, and prepare them for transport to farms.
• Assist in loading dollies of boxed chicks onto trucks for delivery.
• Conduct pre-pull counts of hatching chicks before processing.
• Perform routine checks of setters, hatchers, and related equipment; record temperature and condition data.
• Respond to alarms, equipment issues, or emergencies and notify management immediately.
• Clean and sanitize hatchers, trays, dollies, hallways, and associated pipes.
• Remove and sanitize equipment in hatchers as required.
• Collect, clean, and return reusable chick boxes and trays.
• Accurately complete and submit required paperwork at the end of each run.
• Report any injuries, product issues, or power outages to management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic math skills

Dependable & punctual

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details

Your future starts here. We are a global multi protein Company. We take pride in feeding families. Become part of a team that is engaged in the production of food in order to feed the Nation. Summary All qualified candidates will be considered for entry-level positions that may be available in any of our Hatchery departments. Candidates may be invited to attend a tour, so they can see the jobs in each department.

Job Summary

The Hatchery Worker is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to hatching, handling, and preparing chicks for transport while maintaining strict animal welfare, biosecurity, and safety standards. Duties include transferring chicks, monitoring hatchery equipment, cleaning and sanitizing machines and rooms, and maintaining accurate records. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in varying environmental conditions to support successful hatchery operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely transfer chicks from hatchers to chick separator areas.
• Correctly load chick trays, box chicks, and prepare them for transport to farms.
• Assist in loading dollies of boxed chicks onto trucks for delivery.
• Conduct pre-pull counts of hatching chicks before processing.
• Perform routine checks of setters, hatchers, and related equipment; record temperature and condition data.
• Respond to alarms, equipment issues, or emergencies and notify management immediately.
• Clean and sanitize hatchers, trays, dollies, hallways, and associated pipes.
• Remove and sanitize equipment in hatchers as required.
• Collect, clean, and return reusable chick boxes and trays.
• Accurately complete and submit required paperwork at the end of each run.
• Report any injuries, product issues, or power outages to management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Basic math skills required.
• Must pass a background check.
• Completion of Animal Well-Being (AWB) training required.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age.
• All job offers are based on the conditions that the candidate can provide proof of authorization to work legally in the United States and pass a urinalysis screening which is part of the post-offer health assessment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Dependable and punctual with strong attendance.
• Attention to detail and strong safety awareness.
• Ability to work independently after training.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Stand, walk, bend, and squat for 8–12 hours per shift. Lift up to 40 lbs overhead occasionally. Repetitive pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting. Work in hot, humid, wet, noisy, dusty, and dark environments. Work in elevated or enclosed spaces and narrow passageways.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Slip-resistant shoes/boots: Required
• Hearing protection: Required
• Eye protection: Required
• Gloves: Required when handling chemicals or as designated
• Any other PPE required by plant policy

Standard Performance Expectations & Ramp-Up Program Qualification Period

4 weeks

Week 1 (25%) – Shadow experienced worker, assist with basic handling and cleaning tasks.

Week 2 (50%) – Perform routine chick transfer and equipment cleaning with supervision.

Week 3 (75%) – Independently conduct checks, recordkeeping, and sanitation tasks.

Week 4 (100%) – Fully trained; perform all hatchery duties independently and meet documentation standards.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Potential Hazards & Controls

• Musculoskeletal Strain – Use proper lifting techniques; ask for assistance when needed.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls – Maintain clear walkways; wear slip-resistant footwear.
• Temperature Exposure – Wear appropriate clothing; hydrate regularly.
• Noise Exposure – Use required hearing protection.
• Chemical Irritation – Wear appropriate PPE when handling cleaning agents.
• Equipment Hazards – Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures; stay alert for moving racks and trays.

Key Expectations

• Handle chicks safely and humanely, maintaining AWB standards at all times.
• Maintain accurate records and follow all biosecurity procedures.
• Keep work areas clean, safe, and organized.
• Communicate equipment or safety concerns promptly to management.
• Support hatchery operations with flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Rehire Eligibility-Accepting rehires: Yes-Can not have worked with Tyson more than 3 times-Rehire waiting period: 181 days

Relocation Assistance Eligible: No

Work Shift: 1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

Our team members make the difference. If you are ready to grow your career with an industry leader and want to positively impact the team and community around you, then join us in helping us in raising expectations. Join us on the journey. At Tyson, we feed the world like family. Our Talent Strategy is to Attract, Grow, Reward and Retain the best talent, and we believe that our Culture is the connecting thread that drives that strategy!

We strive to be a talent magnet to establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where team members can grow their career while growing the business. We are a high performing organization where team members are rewarded (Pay, Benefits and Recognition) for their contributions, and given the opportunity to support and/or volunteer with programs that help Tyson make a lasting social impact in the communities where we live and work. To learn more about our culture, please read Our Purpose.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Tyson Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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