Shelbyville Hatchery - Hatchery Worker Labor HY All Shifts in Decherd,TN

Hatchery Worker

Your future starts here. We are a global multi protein Company. We take pride in feeding families. Become part of a team that is engaged in the production of food in order to feed the Nation.

All qualified candidates will be considered for entry-level positions that may be available in any of our Hatchery departments. Candidates may be invited to attend a tour, so they can see the jobs in each department.

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. Duties include transferring chicks, monitoring hatchery equipment, cleaning and sanitizing machines and rooms, and maintaining accurate records. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in varying environmental conditions to support successful hatchery operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• 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. Applicant will need to reapply next month and have an active application to be considered for employment.

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.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Slip-resistant shoes/boots:
  Required
• Hearing protection:
  Required
• Eye protection:
  Required
• Gloves:
  Required when handling chemicals or as designated
• Any other PPE required by plant policy

Standard Performance Expectations & Ramp-Up Program

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.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Potential Hazards & Controls

• 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,…