Hatchery Laborer

JBS Foods • Russellville, AL

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Hatchery Laborer works at Pilgrim’s hatchery in Russellville, Alabama, handling eggs and chicks and supporting incubation, hatching, quality checks, sanitation, and preparation for transport. The role operates specialized equipment and follows safety, biosecurity, sanitation, and animal welfare protocols in a fast-paced production environment where precision and teamwork are essential.

The schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, starting at 5:00 a.m. and continuing until production is complete. The position offers a base hourly salary rate of $14.60, with piece-rate compensation also mentioned. Medical, dental, and vision coverage begin after 60 days of employment. Company 401(k) matching begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule. Pilgrim’s also describes continuous learning and career-development opportunities. New team members undergo post-offer drug, alcohol, and background checks before starting work.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to multitask and work quickly.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to comprehend simple instructions and apply common sense.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work in temperatures exceeding 100°F, tolerate odors, and perform continuous physical activity.
• Ability to perform repetitive lifting and pushing of 100 pounds or more.
• Ability to push and pull 450-pound wheeled buggies of chicks and eggs.
• Must not raise poultry or birds.

Nice To Haves

• Poultry or food industry experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle and set eggs in incubators according to established procedures.
• Monitor incubation temperature, humidity, and ventilation to support optimal hatching results.
• Assist with chick hatching and transfer, ensuring proper care and handling.
• Perform quality checks on eggs and chicks to maintain health and biosecurity standards.
• Clean and sanitize equipment and work areas according to safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Follow biosecurity and animal welfare protocols to protect flock health and product integrity.
• Record and maintain accurate data on egg counts, hatch rates, and chick quality for reporting.
• Assist with chick vaccination and preparation for transport, ensuring proper handling and care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage begins after 60 days of employment.
• Dental coverage begins after 60 days of employment.
• Vision coverage begins after 60 days of employment.
• 401(k) company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Continuous learning and career-development opportunities through learning and development programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED