Pathogen ; SPF Production Specialist

Job Title: Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Production Specialist
Department: Production
Reports To: Farm Manager / Assistant Farm Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Production Specialist is responsible for executing flock husbandry, biosecurity, sanitation, and facility monitoring functions to ensure optimal flock health and production performance. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the bio-secure status of the facility and supporting uninterrupted production operations in compliance with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Strict adherence to biosecurity protocols is mandatory.

Comply with and enforce all Valo Bio Media North America, LLC biosecurity policies and procedures.

Adhere to and execute all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Maintain the facility in a clean and bio-secure condition using prescribed disinfectants and sanitation procedures.

Follow mandatory disinfection and shower-in/shower-out procedures for all farm entry and exit.

Implement flock husbandry programs including blood sampling, environmental swabbing, egg collection and grading, house cleaning, and related activities in accordance with SOPs.

Monitor flock health and behavior; report abnormalities or elevated mortality immediately to management.

Collect and properly dispose of daily mortality and reject eggs according to protocol.

Assist with placement of new birds, flock transfers, depopulation, and pullet loadout as scheduled.

Identify and assist with implementation of treatment protocols for flock and individual bird health issues.

Monitor and maintain mechanical systems including ventilation, feed systems, water systems, water disinfection systems, and egg collection equipment.

Ensure proper feed, water availability, light intensity, and positive pressure for optimal flock performance.

Notify management immediately of any deviations from established norms.

Monitor and report fly and beetle populations; apply pesticides as directed.

Clean and disinfect equipment, entry areas, laboratory areas, bath areas, coolers, and mechanical rooms according to established schedules.

Safely handle and apply detergents, disinfectants, pesticides, and other chemicals in compliance with safety protocols.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation of the farm and organization.

Ability to strictly adhere to biosecurity standards; no contact with birds, poultry, reptiles, rodents, or swine outside of employment during tenure with the company.

Ability to perform hands-on work with live poultry, including transfers, placements, and depopulation.

Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills.

Ability to use handheld data collection devices (tablets, smartphones).

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Ability to work up to seven (7) days per week, including weekends and holidays, as production demands require.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Must pass pre-employment background screening and drug screening.

Experience operating farm equipment (loaders, forklifts, farm packers, trucks).

Prior poultry or agricultural production experience.

Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds repetitively and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving standing, walking, bending, twisting, and hand/wrist dexterity.

Ability to work indoors and outdoors year-round in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, dust, moisture, strong odors, and high noise levels.

Ability to safely work in a bio-secure environment and around live animals.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties may be modified at any time based on business needs.