Cobb - Hatchery Processing

Tyson Foods•Lafayette, TN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position processes chicks and maintains a clean work area at Cobb’s Tennessee Hatchery in Lafayette, Tennessee. The role includes transferring chicks from boxes to a grading wheel, grading newly hatched chicks for defects, operating a robot to vaccinate and beak-treat birds according to customer orders, and performing toe trims or marking male birds when required. Additional tasks may include processing byproduct chicks, euthanizing weak or ill birds according to company policy, despurring male birds, preparing and managing vaccines, maintaining laboratory cleanliness and inventory, checking nitrogen and refrigerator levels, making gel, washing robot parts, and cleaning the work area. Duties may change or be assigned without notice. The current schedule is Monday through Thursday. Effective January 3, 2027, the schedule is Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The shift usually begins between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. and lasts until the work is complete. The position averages 35–40 hours per week, includes holiday work, and its schedule may change based on production needs. Starting pay is $17.00 per hour, increasing to $17.45 effective November 1, plus shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends. The jobsite is a biosecure environment. Employees must shower and change clothing and footwear before entering; appropriate clothing and footwear are provided. Jewelry is not permitted except medical ID jewelry and piercings covered by appropriate clothing. Candidates must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid avian species and to follow company biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines. The work involves standing for most of the shift, handling chick boxes, and working in wet, slippery, hot, dry, dusty, and cold conditions. Required protective equipment and safety procedures apply as needed.

Requirements

At least 12 months of consecutive work history with one employer and no employment gaps greater than 6 months during the past 36 months. The gap allowance increases to 18 months for layoffs or child/elder care. This work-history requirement does not apply to applicants who have been full-time students consecutively for the past 36 months.
Must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be willing to shower and change clothing and footwear before entering the biosecure facility.
Must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid avian species and to sign and abide by company biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines.
Must follow applicable safety procedures, including Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, LOTO, and Personal Protective Equipment requirements.
Must reside in the United States to be considered for an interview.
Rehire candidates must meet a minimum waiting period of 180 days; candidates may have worked at Cobb/Tyson Foods no more than three times.

Nice To Haves

Previous agricultural or production experience is preferred.
Internal applicants receive priority consideration.

Responsibilities

Transfer chicks from boxes to a grading wheel.
Grade newly hatched chicks for defects.
Operate a robot to vaccinate and beak-treat birds according to customer orders.
Perform toe trims for identification when required.
Dub or mark male birds according to customer orders.
Perform additional duties as assigned, including processing byproduct chicks and euthanizing weak or ill birds according to company policy.
Despur male birds according to customer orders when assigned.
Fill in for the lead when absent or on vacation.
Mix day-one vaccine; clean the day-one lab; check nitrogen levels and refrigerator temperatures; make gel; and maintain vaccine inventory.
Occasionally operate high-pressure and regular water hoses, wash robot parts, and maintain a clean, organized work area.
Follow applicable safety policies and procedures and identify, address, and mitigate safety-related risks.
Follow company biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines.