Employment Type

Regular Full-time Hourly Non-Exempt
On-site, Elizabethtown and Duncannon Hatcheries with flexibility to cover each location as needed

 

Schedule

Hatchery 1:

• Standard workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

• Wednesdays and Saturdays are typically not worked but can be required for extended periods based on company need

• Start time: Typically 4:00 AM (some variation may occasionally occur due to processing demands)

• End time varies based on chick volume, customer orders, and completion of production and administrative duties

• Typical workweek: 35 to 40 hours

Hatchery 2

• Standard workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

• Wednesdays and Saturdays are typically not worked but can be required for extended periods based on company need

• Start time: Typically 4:00 AM (some variation may occasionally occur due to processing demands)

• End time varies based on chick volume, customer orders, and completion of production and administrative duties

• Typical workweek: 40 to 45 hours

Hatchery 3

• Standard workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

• Wednesdays and Saturdays are typically not worked but can be required for extended periods based on company need

• Start time: Typically 4:00 AM (some variation may occasionally occur due to processing demands)

• End time varies based on chick volume, customer orders, and completion of production and administrative duties

• Typical workweek: 40 to 50 hours

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Reporting Structure

Hatchery 1 and 2:

• Reports to Hatchery Manager

• No positions currently report to Chick Room Lead

• Direct Leadership Responsibilities: Provides day-to-day coordination and flow of work for team members working within the chick room

Hatchery 3:

• Reports to Hatchery Manager for now and will ultimately report to the Assistant Hatchery Manager when that position is filled

• No positions currently report to Chick Room Lead

• Direct Leadership Responsibilities: Provides day-to-day coordination and flow of work for team members working within the chick room

 

Position Summary

The Chick Room Lead is responsible for coordinating daily chick room operations to ensure the accurate processing, inventory management, vaccination, and fulfillment of customer chick orders. This position serves as the primary point of coordination within the chick room, ensuring operational efficiency, adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), animal welfare standards, biosecurity requirements, and hatchery quality expectations. The Chick Room Lead works closely with team members, supervisors, and drivers to maintain an orderly workflow while ensuring customers receive the correct birds, counts, flocks, and vaccination programs.

 

Main Responsibilities

• Coordinate and direct daily workflow within the chick room

• Maintain accurate chick inventory throughout all stages of processing

• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately according to bird counts, flock assignments, and vaccination programs

• Track flock movement through the chick processing and order fulfillment process

• Complete and maintain hatchery paperwork related to quality, production and order fulfillment

• Communicate order status, quantity adjustments, and processing delays to transportation personnel

• Monitor workflow and identify bottlenecks, concerns, and opportunities for improvement

• Ensure compliance with all hatchery SOPs, vaccine handling procedures, biosecurity standards, and safety requirements

• Uphold animal welfare standards in all chick processing areas

• Assist with training team members and reinforcing established procedures

• Maintain laboratory and work area cleanliness standards

• Promote a positive work environment by demonstrating company values through actions, communication, and teamwork

• Mix vaccine

• Plan and strategize workflow for the upcoming day

• Perform other duties as assigned

Duties, responsibilities, and essential functions may be added, modified, or reassigned at any time based on organizational needs.

 

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to coordinate and prioritize work among multiple chick room employees in a fast-paced production environment

• Ability to maintain accurate chick inventories, production records, and order documentation

• Ability to accurately fulfill customer orders according to bird counts, flock assignments, and vaccination requirements

• Ability to track flock movement and verify proper allocation throughout the processing cycle

• Ability to complete required documentation accurately and on time

• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations and reconcile production counts

• Ability to use basic computer software, including Microsoft Excel

• Ability to effectively communicate with team members, supervisors, drivers, and other departments

• Ability to provide day-to-day work direction and reinforce established procedures

• Ability to identify operational issues and exercise practical judgment while following established procedures

• Ability to learn, follow, and teach hatchery production processes and procedures

• Ability to learn, follow and enforce vaccine handling, biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare requirements

• Ability to maintain professionalism and effectiveness while working under time-sensitive production demands

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team

• Ability to maintain a clean and organized laboratory and work environment

• Ability to maintain high reliability and consistent attendance and punctuality

• Ability to keep drivers informed regarding order locations, quantity adjustments, and potential delays

• Ability to serve as a positive representative of the company and its core values.

• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions including cool, warm, dusty, wet, and noisy environments

• Ability to work safely in close proximity to machinery and equipment while utilizing required PPE

• Ability to perform primarily indoor work with occasional outdoor duties

• Ability to maintain reliable transportation to and from work

• Ability to demonstrate accountability, initiative, and strong attention to detail

• Ability to follow, enforce, and support vaccine handling and preparation SOPs

• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced production environment

 

Role Boundaries

• Provides day-to-day coordination of work within the chick room but does not have formal supervisory authority unless otherwise assigned

• Works within established hatchery procedures, customer specifications, and vaccination protocols

• Escalates significant operational, personnel, quality, or animal welfare concerns to hatchery management

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Success Indicators

• Customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on schedule

• Chick inventory and production records remain accurate and complete

• Workflow is coordinated efficiently with minimal bottlenecks

• Biosecurity, safety, animal welfare, and quality standards are consistently maintained

• Documentation is completed accurately and timely

• Team members receive clear communication and work direction

• Maintain a positive attitude and tenacity while working through stressful situations
   

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy and focus

• Basic math and problem-solving skills

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel

• Legible handwriting and accurate recordkeeping abilities

• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

 

Preferred Personal Attributes

• Previous hatchery, poultry production, agricultural production, manufacturing, or lead-worker experience.

• Demonstrates the characteristics of an "Ideal Team Player" as defined by Patrick Lencioni: Humble, Hungry, and Smart.

• Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn

• Positive attitude and commitment to teamwork.

• Strong communication and leadership abilities

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly

• Ability to repetitively bend, twist, and lift objects weighing 25-30 lbs. from the floor to six (6) feet above the floor for prolonged periods

• Ability to push and maneuver 800-pound and 1,200-pound racks and carts safely

• Ability to stand and walk on concrete floors for extended periods throughout the shift

• Ability to perform work while standing, sitting, kneeling, and squatting