Shelbyville Hatchery - Hatchery Worker Labor HY01 - FT (All Shifts in Decherd,TN) - AUGUST 2026

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Safely transfer chicks from hatchers to chick separator areas.
• Correctly load chick trays, box chicks, and prepare them for transport to farms.
• Absorb and prepare for chick transport.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Applications are only active for the current month in which you applied.
• 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.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)