Shelbyville Hatchery - Hatchery Worker Labor HY 1st Shift in Decherd,TN

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Dependable and punctual with strong attendance.
• Attention to detail and strong safety awareness.
• Ability to work independently after training.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills.

• 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.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• 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.

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.

• 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)…