Cobb - Hatchery Processing

Cobb-Vantress•Lafayette, TN

About The Position

This position processes chicks and maintains a clean work area. The work schedule is subject to change based on production needs. The current schedule is Monday through Thursday; effective January 3, 2027, the schedule is Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Shifts usually begin between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. and continue until the job is complete. The position averages 35–40 hours per week and includes working holidays. Applicants must have no disciplinary actions within the last six months, no more than six attendance points, and six months in their current area. Employees promoting to this position may have less than six months in their current area. The jobsite is biosecure and requires showering and changing clothing and footwear before entering. The Company provides appropriate clothing and footwear. Jewelry is not permitted except medical ID jewelry and body piercings covered by appropriate clothing. Employees must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid avian species and to sign and follow Company Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Guidelines. Employees must be able to perform the physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation. The work involves standing for most of the shift on concrete, walking, sitting, handling objects and controls, reaching, balancing, stooping, and talking or hearing. It also involves lifting and stacking chick boxes weighing up to 15 pounds and occasionally pushing or pulling stacks of boxes weighing up to 125 pounds. Work may take place on wet, slippery surfaces and in hot, dry, dusty, wet, and cold environments. Safety glasses, goggles, chemical gloves, a waterproof apron, rubber boots, ear plugs, and NIOSH-approved N95 particulate respirators are used as needed. Chemicals commonly used include day-one vaccines, dyes, and dish soap.

Requirements

Applicants must have no disciplinary actions within the last six months.
Applicants must have no more than six attendance points.
Applicants must have six months in their current area unless promoting, in which case less than six months in the area is allowable.
Must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid avian species, including chickens, ducks, and birds.
Must be willing 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 and be able to regularly lift and stack chick boxes weighing up to 15 pounds and occasionally push or pull stacks weighing up to 125 pounds.
Must follow applicable safety policies and procedures, including Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, LOTO, and Personal Protective Equipment requirements.

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 euthanize weak or ill birds in accordance with Company policy.
Despur male birds according to customer orders.
Cover for the lead when they are 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, identify safety risks, and address or mitigate them.