Poultry Selection Assistant

Job Description Summary

Aviagen Turkeys Inc. is looking for a Poultry Selection Assistant. This employee supports the Genomics team during turkey selection and data collection. The employee gathers, moves, catches, holds, and presents turkeys for evaluation; records bird identification and assigned measurements; and maintains an orderly selection workflow. The role requires humane bird handling, close attention to detail, dependable teamwork, and strict compliance with biosecurity, animal-welfare, safety, and data-integrity requirements.

Aviagen Turkeys Inc. is looking for a Poultry Selection Assistant. This employee supports the Genomics team during turkey selection and data collection. The employee gathers, moves, catches, holds, and presents turkeys for evaluation; records bird identification and assigned measurements; and maintains an orderly selection workflow. The role requires humane bird handling, close attention to detail, dependable teamwork, and strict compliance with biosecurity, animal-welfare, safety, and data-integrity requirements.

• Prepare pens, staging areas, lanes, equipment, and supplies before selection or measurement activities begin.
• Locate and gather the correct turkeys by flock, pen, group, or other assigned identifier and move them calmly and safely to the selection area.
• Catch, hold, position, and present birds in a consistent manner so authorized team members can evaluate or measure them efficiently.
• Maintain each bird's identity and group assignment throughout the process; prevent mix-ups when birds are moved, measured, selected, separated, or returned.
• Move birds to the correct designated pen or category according to selector instructions and assist with counts or reconciliation when requested.
• Observe birds during handling and immediately report signs of injury, illness, excessive stress, missing identification, or other concerns.

• Read and confirm individual bird identification, such as wing bands, leg bands, tags, pen numbers, or electronic identifiers, before recording information.
• Collect assigned measurements and observations, including body weight and other approved selection or phenotype data, using scales, electronic devices, and measuring equipment as trained.
• Enter or record information accurately and completely in the required paper or electronic system and follow established data-entry order and naming conventions.
• Review entries for completeness and obvious errors; repeat questionable measurements or notify the appropriate team member when an identification or data discrepancy occurs.
• Assist with approved sampling or related genomics activities when trained and assigned.
• Protect confidential and proprietary breeding, selection, and genomics information and share it only with authorized personnel.

• Follow all company, farm, and flock-specific biosecurity procedures, including required showering, clothing changes, personal protective equipment, downtime, and vehicle, footwear, tool, and equipment sanitation.
• Handle turkeys humanely and in accordance with company animal-welfare standards; use approved handling and restraint techniques to minimize stress and prevent injury.
• Clean and disinfect selection areas, equipment, crates, carts, and tools before, during, and after work as assigned.
• Follow safe-work practices for animal handling, lifting, repetitive movement, powered or manual equipment, chemicals, and walking surfaces.
• Report injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, equipment problems, bird-welfare concerns, and possible biosecurity breaches immediately.
• Comply with company restrictions regarding contact with or ownership of poultry, other birds, and swine, as applicable to the position and work location.

• Follow daily work assignments and technical direction from Genomics, Selection, Farm, and other authorized team members.
• Communicate clearly with coworkers to maintain safe bird movement, accurate identification, and efficient workflow.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and properly store, charge, or return equipment and supplies after use.
• Participate in required training and demonstrate continued proficiency in bird handling, measurement procedures, data entry, biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare.
• Provide service-crew or other farm support related to selection activities as workload requires and perform other related duties as assigned.

• Ability to handle live poultry calmly, confidently, and humanely in a fast-moving team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate bird identification, counts, measurements, and records.
• Basic math skills and ability to read scales, measurements, labels, and identification numbers accurately.
• Ability to learn and consistently follow detailed written, verbal, and demonstrated procedures.
• Ability to use or learn handheld…