Hatchery Laborer

Pilgrim's • Russellville, AL

14h • Onsite

About The Position

Pilgrim’s is hiring a Hatchery Laborer for its Russellville, Alabama hatchery. This hands-on role supports the healthy start of the poultry flock by handling eggs, monitoring incubation, assisting with chick hatching, and performing quality checks. The position requires operating specialized equipment, maintaining clean work areas, and following safety, sanitation, biosecurity, and animal welfare protocols in a fast-paced environment where precision and teamwork are essential.

The schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or until production is complete. The base hourly salary rate is $14.60, with piece-rate compensation also noted. Vision, medical, and dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment. The company match for the 401(k) begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule. Pilgrim’s also describes continuous learning and career-growth programs, including Better Futures.

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 a team player.
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments of 100°F or higher, tolerate odors, and perform continuous physical activity, including repetitive lifting and pushing of 100 pounds or more.
• Ability to push or pull wheeled buggies of chicks and eggs weighing 450 pounds.
• Must not raise poultry or birds.

Nice To Haves

• Poultry or food industry experience is a plus.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle and set eggs in incubators according to established procedures.
• Monitor incubation conditions, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
• 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

• Vision, medical, and dental coverage beginning after 60 days of employment.
• 401(k) company match beginning after the first year of service, subject to the company vesting schedule.
• Continuous learning opportunities and career-growth programs, including Better Futures.

What This Job Offers

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