Hatchery Lab Technician I

Aviagen•Elkmont, AL

11d

About The Position

The Hatchery Lab Technician I manages day-to-day technical operations of the hatchery laboratory quality system. The role coordinates activities needed to meet ISO technical requirements, monitors and advises on system performance, distributes performance reports, and liaises with internal Hatchery Lab Quality and Technical Specialists to support compliance. The technician processes samples, performs routine laboratory tests under direct supervision, prepares laboratory media and solutions, enters samples and results into the laboratory data management system, and maintains laboratory supply inventory, hygiene, and adherence to work instructions and company policies. The hatchery operates on varying start times, so the role requires highly flexible hours, including early mornings or late afternoons, and weekend rotations as needed. Daily biosecurity procedures include showering into and out of the hatchery facility. The position involves work indoors throughout the year, with some outdoor work possible. Tasks may involve contact with live animals and samples, chemicals, airborne particles, bodily fluids, and hot or cold temperatures. Candidates must not own or house wild or domesticated avian species and must observe a 72-hour quarantine after contact with non-Aviagen avian species.

Requirements

Must be able to work extremely flexible hours, including early mornings and/or late afternoons.
Must be willing to work weekend rotations as necessary.
Must be comfortable handling hatchery and farm samples while maintaining sample integrity.
Must remain aware of surroundings, tasks, aberrant results, potential contamination, and general data collection practices.
Cannot own or house any wild or domesticated avian species for biosecurity purposes.
Must adhere to a strict 72-hour quarantine period after contact with non-Aviagen avian species.
Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods and traverse uneven terrain safely.
Must frequently carry or lift objects and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds and safely pick up materials stored at ground level.
Must be able to apply 50 pounds of force to push carts.
Must be able to perform repetitive tasks requiring hand and wrist dexterity, and frequently kneel or squat, including at floor level or on knees.
Must be able to wear required PPE, such as safety glasses, work gloves, and work shoes.
Must be able to work indoors year-round and, in some situations, outdoors; may encounter very hot or cold temperatures.
May be exposed to airborne particles such as dust and dander; chemicals such as detergents, disinfectants, and vaccines; hatchery and farm odors; and blood and other bodily fluids.

Responsibilities

Maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory supplies to prevent work delays.
Accurately process samples in a time-efficient manner while maintaining sample integrity.
Follow procedures outlined in laboratory work instructions.
Perform assigned routine laboratory tests under direct supervision.
Prepare media and solutions used within the laboratory.
Enter samples and results into the laboratory data management system.
Follow company requirements regarding biosecurity, animal welfare, safety, ISO 17025 accreditation, and drugs and alcohol.
Attend during normal working hours or the schedule assigned by Laboratory Management.
Maintain hygiene of the laboratory workspace, equipment, and tools.
Complete daily biosecurity procedures, including showering into and out of the hatchery facility.
Work weekend rotations as necessary.
Perform other duties as required by Laboratory Management.
Coordinate activities required to meet ISO technical requirements, monitor and advise on system performance, and distribute performance reports.
Liaise with internal Hatchery Lab Quality and Technical Specialists to ensure compliance.