Hatchery Production Associate

Perdue Foods aims to become the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and retail and foodservice customers globally while improving animal-raising practices. As part of Perdue Farms—a fourth-generation, family-owned business—we blend tradition with innovation. Our culture values teamwork, integrity, and respect, ensuring every voice contributes to shared goals. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact within the company and in our communities.

About the role

As a Hatchery Production Associate, you play a key role in creating the optimal environment where healthy, high-quality chicks begin their journey. This hands-on position supports essential hatchery activities that ensure proper incubation, hatching, and care while maintaining precise environmental conditions. Your work directly contributes to delivering a superior product to Perdue Farms growers and upholds the high standards of quality, care, and excellence that define our operations.

Responsibilities

• Correctly receive, set, and transfer approximately 991,440 eggs per week, ensuring minimum damage while maximizing hatchability.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize the entire hatchery, including 68 hatchers and setters, 37 evaporative coolers, 14 heaters, and associated ductwork to minimize mold and bacteria.
• Properly and efficiently operate tray wash and/or separator machines, ensuring maximum throughput with minimum product damage.
• Safely transport and process approximately 250,000 chicks daily, ensuring accurate chick distribution and proper quality control.
• Perform additional duties as requested by management in a timely and efficient manner, following hatchery and company standard operating procedures while fostering teamwork and morale.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic reading and writing skills.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Move in an upright position and work on wet, dry, and often slippery concrete floors for up to 4 hours at a time.
• Lift and control 35 lbs overhead to a height of approximately 84 inches.
• Exposure to temperatures ranging from below 32°F to 101.25°F with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• Extended exposure to temperatures from 99°F to 101°F with 82% humidity for periods up to 2 hours at a time.
• Exposure to noise levels up to 110db and light intensity ranging from less than 50 to 75–100 foot-candles.
• Frequent bending, twisting, and lifting while grasping containers weighing up to 35 lbs, up to 10 times per minute at forward angles of 30–60°.
• Squatting, lifting, and carrying weights of up to 35 lbs while walking distances of 10–20 feet.
• Exposure to chlorinated water (less than 50ppm), caustic detergents, lubricating oils, poultry vaccines, and other chemicals listed in hatchery MSDS.
• Must wear and/or use personal protective equipment/devices in accordance with standard operating procedures and company directives.

Pay

Base rate of $19.50 per hour, with opportunities for pay premiums, shift differentials, and overtime where applicable. Annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

Benefits

• Medical and prescription coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match after 1 year.
• Critical illness and accident insurance.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and optional group life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability protection.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Paid time off.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM.