Cobb - Hatchery Processing

Tyson Foods•Lafayette, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position processes newly hatched chicks and maintains a clean work area at Cobb’s Tennessee Hatchery in Lafayette, Tennessee. The role averages 35–40 hours per week. 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 continues until the work is complete. The schedule may change based on production needs, and the position includes working holidays. Evening, night, and weekend shift differentials are mentioned, though the posted shift is first shift. Work takes place in a biosecure hatchery. Employees must shower and change clothing and footwear before entering; the company provides appropriate clothing and footwear. Employees must agree to avoid contact with avian species and sign and follow company biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines. Safety procedures apply, including Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, Lockout/Tagout, and use of personal protective equipment. The work involves standing for most of the shift on concrete, walking, sitting, handling objects and tools, reaching, balancing, stooping, and communicating. Conditions may include wet or slippery surfaces and hot, dry, dusty, wet, or cold environments. Employees must be able to perform the physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

At least 12 months of consecutive work history with one employer and no employment gaps greater than 6 months in the past 36 months. The gap allowance increases to 18 months for applicants who were laid off or providing child or elder care.
The work-history requirement does not apply to applicants who have been full-time students consecutively for the last 36 months.
Must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid avian species and to sign and abide by company biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines.
Must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must use safe lifting techniques; regularly lift and stack chick boxes weighing up to 15 pounds and occasionally push or pull stacks of boxes weighing up to 125 pounds.
Must follow applicable safety policies and procedures, including Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, Lockout/Tagout, and Personal Protective Equipment.
Applicants must reside in the United States to be considered for an interview.
Rehire applicants must meet a minimum waiting period of 180 days; applicants may have worked at Cobb/Tyson Foods no more than three times.

Nice To Haves

Previous agricultural or production experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Transfer chicks from boxes to the grading wheel.
Grade newly hatched chicks for defects.
Operate a robot to vaccinate and beak-treat birds according to customer orders.
Perform toe trimming for identification when required.
Dub or mark male birds according to customer orders.
Process byproduct chicks and properly euthanize weak or ill birds in accordance with company policy.
Despur male birds according to customer orders.
Fill in when the lead is 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.
Maintain a clean, organized work area and wash robot parts.
Follow applicable safety policies and procedures and identify, address, and mitigate safety risks.