Poultry Selection Assistant

Aviagen Turkeys Inc. is seeking a Poultry Selection Assistant to support the Genomics team during turkey selection and data collection.

About the Role

This role involves gathering, moving, catching, holding, and presenting turkeys for evaluation; recording bird identification and assigned measurements; and maintaining an orderly selection workflow. The position requires humane bird handling, close attention to detail, dependable teamwork, and strict compliance with biosecurity, animal-welfare, safety, and data-integrity requirements.

Responsibilities

• Selection Support and Bird Handling
  • 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.
  • 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 Integrity
  • Read 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.
  • Review entries for completeness and obvious errors; repeat questionable measurements or notify the appropriate team member when an identification or data discrepancy occurs.
  • Assist with approved sampling or related genomics activities when trained and assigned.
  • Protect confidential and proprietary breeding, selection, and genomics information and share it only with authorized personnel.
• Biosecurity, Animal Welfare, and Safety
  • Follow all company, farm, and flock-specific biosecurity procedures, including required showering, clothing changes, personal protective equipment, downtime, and vehicle, footwear, tool, and equipment sanitation.
  • Handle turkeys humanely and in accordance with company animal-welfare standards; use approved handling and restraint techniques to minimize stress and prevent injury.
  • Clean and disinfect selection areas, equipment, crates, carts, and tools before, during, and after work as assigned.
  • Follow safe-work practices for animal handling, lifting, repetitive movement, powered or manual equipment, chemicals, and walking surfaces.
  • Report injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, equipment problems, bird-welfare concerns, and possible biosecurity breaches immediately.
  • Comply with company restrictions regarding contact with or ownership of poultry, other birds, and swine, as applicable to the position and work location.
• Team and Operational Support
  • Follow 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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Experience working with poultry, livestock, agricultural production, animal handling, production data, or farm service crews is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience entering data or using basic electronic devices is helpful.
• Job-specific training will be provided for approved handling, measurement, sampling, equipment, and data procedures.

Skills

• Ability 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 Requirements

• Regularly 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.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in poultry houses, selection rooms, farm buildings, and related agricultural environments.
• The employee may be exposed to dust, dander, feathers, litter, odors, noise, disinfectants, wet conditions, insects, and seasonal temperature and humidity changes.
• Work involves close contact with live turkeys and the possibility of scratches, pecks, sudden bird movement, and other routine animal-handling hazards.
• Selection and flock needs may require early mornings, extended shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, schedule changes, or travel between company farms and facilities.
• Attendance and punctuality are essential because selection work is coordinated across birds, farms, equipment, and multiple team members.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Teladoc coverage.
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Company observed paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on hire date.