The Hatchery Manager oversees all aspects of hatchery operations, ensuring the health, viability, and productivity of eggs and chicks. This role manages hatchery staff, monitors incubation and hatch processes, ensures biosecurity and animal welfare standards, and coordinates with Live Operations and Production teams to meet operational goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage daily hatchery operations, including incubation, hatching, and chick processing
- Supervise, train, and schedule hatchery staff to maintain safe and efficient operations
- Monitor hatchability, chick quality, and egg storage conditions
- Ensure compliance with biosecurity, animal welfare, and regulatory standards
- Maintain accurate records of hatchery production, inventory, and performance metrics
- Collaborate with Live Operations and Production teams for chick placement and flock planning
- Troubleshoot operational issues and coordinate preventive maintenance for hatchery equipment
- High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or related field preferred
- Previous experience in hatchery or poultry operations required, with leadership experience preferred
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of incubation, hatchery equipment, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards
- Ability to analyze production data and implement corrective actions
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production management software preferred
- Commitment to safety, efficiency, and team development
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks
- Ability to work in hatchery environments with varying temperatures and conditions
- Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Previous experience in hatchery or poultry operations
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks
- Ability to work in hatchery environments with varying temperatures and conditions
- Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods
- Associate or bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or a related field
- Leadership experience
- Knowledge of incubation, hatchery equipment, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production management software
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to analyze production data and implement corrective actions
What We Do
House of Raeford Farms is one of the nation's top poultry producers, providing chicken products to the foodservice, retail, and export markets. A family enterprise spanning four generations, the company operates a fully-integrated business from hatcheries to plants. Based in Rose Hill, North Carolina, it maintains additional locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana, striving to do the right thing in all its operations.
