Hatchery Specialist

Mission

Job Summary: The Hatchery Specialist supports hatchery operations across Hendrix-ISA LLC locations by providing technical expertise, training, process oversight, and operational support. This role is responsible for promoting consistent hatchery performance, product quality, animal welfare, safety compliance, and continuous improvement across all facilities.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Travel among company hatchery locations to support, train, and coach hatchery managers and staff to ensure consistent production of high-quality products.
• Maintain and support standard operating procedures across all hatchery locations to ensure procedures reflect current practices.
• Monitor incubation processes and support programs related to moisture loss, incubation profiles, embryo development, and overall hatchery performance.
• Develop and support programs for collecting, tracking, and evaluating key performance indicator data for Hendrix.
• Analyze hatchery performance data, identify trends and opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations to enhance hatchability, chick quality, operational efficiency, and animal welfare outcomes.
• Serve as interim operational support for hatchery locations as needed, including filling in for key roles and/or temporarily supporting location management during staffing transitions.
• Ensure animal welfare, safety, and other required operational programs are implemented, maintained, and supported through ongoing training.
• Assist with chick quality concerns by serving as a liaison between flock service teams and hatchery personnel.
• Communicate with sales teams regarding hatchery-related customer concerns and provide timely support and follow-up.
• Prepare for, participate in, and assist facilities in addressing findings from insurance, animal welfare, biosecurity, vaccine administration, customer, and other internal or external audits.

Additional Duties:
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Profile

Required Skills/Abilities:
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Strong verbal & written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly in English.
• Computer software skills applicable to the position (Excel, Power Point, Word, Internet)
• Demonstrated ability to build effective teams and promote company loyalty and engagement.
• Multilingual ability is preferred but not required.
• Working knowledge of multi-stage/single-stage incubation systems, hatchery ventilation, equipment, and related hatchery systems.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with internal customers
• Must hold a valid driver's license

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in poultry science, animal science, agriculture, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will be considered. Minimum five years of progressive hatchery management or hatchery operations experience required.

Physical Requirements:
• Follow strict biosecurity protocols as required by customers or Hendrix ISA when visiting premises.
• Ability to enter commercial poultry facilities and comply with all personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety requirements.
• Ability and willingness to travel via automobile or air for extended periods and for a significant portion of the work schedule, approximately 50%.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and work for extended periods in a hatchery environment.