Part-Time Hatchery & Distribution Tech

VALO BioMedia•Iowa, IA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Hatchery Technician Position Summary The Hatchery Technician is responsible for supporting daily hatchery operations in compliance with all biosecurity, safety, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established by VALO BioMedia North America, LLC. This role involves handling eggs and chicks, operating hatchery equipment, collecting and recording data, and maintaining a clean, biosecure facility. This position will also assist in the distribution area as needed. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Comply with all biosecurity policies, procedures, and safety requirements of VALO BioMedia North America, LLC. Follow and assist in the enforcement of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Handle, candle, and transfer eggs, including movement from incubators to hatchers. Operate incubators and hatchers in accordance with established SOPs. Handle and count chicks weekly. Perform basic equipment maintenance as needed or as directed by management. Thoroughly clean and disinfect hatchery equipment weekly, including operating washers for hatching baskets and other equipment. Monitor incubation and hatching processes and assist with troubleshooting as needed. Collect and record accurate handwritten and digital data daily, including but not limited to hatch rates, temperature, humidity, and viability metrics, in accordance with SOPs. Utilize electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, wireless data systems, and printers for data entry and reporting. Prepare pre-incubated eggs for shipment to customers, including candling, packaging, and labeling. Load chicks onto transport vehicles in accordance with biosecurity and handling procedures. Respond to alarm notifications as requested by management, which may include after-hours or off-schedule response. Maintain flexibility in work schedule, including varying starting times as operational needs require. Safely lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds repetitively; occasionally lift 50 pounds or more; and push incubation or hatching trolleys weighing up to 400 pounds. Maintain the hatchery and surrounding areas in a clean, organized, and biosecurity condition using prescribed procedures and disinfectants. Perform all other duties as necessary to support the successful operation of the farm and VALO BioMedia North America, LLC. Qualification Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience High school diploma or equivalent required On-the-job training will be provided Language Skills Ability to read and understand safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and SOPs Ability to accurately and legibly document hatchery data and reports Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors Technology Skills Ability to use smartphones, tablets, laptops, printers, scanners, and two-way radios Work Environment This position works in a hatchery environment with exposure to live animals, temperature and humidity fluctuations, disinfectants, noise, and agricultural odors. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required and must be worn as directed. Schedule Requirements This position may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability based on hatchery operations and alarm response needs. Attendance Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position due to time-sensitive hatchery operations. Physical and Sensory Requirements The employee must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, bend, stoop, reach, and use hands and fingers to handle eggs, chicks, and equipment. Visual acuity is required for candling eggs, reading instruments, and identifying abnormalities. Safety and Compliance Employees are expected to follow all safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity requirements at all times and immediately report unsafe conditions or incidents to management.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Ability to read and understand safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and SOPs
Ability to accurately and legibly document hatchery data and reports
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors
Ability to use smartphones, tablets, laptops, printers, scanners, and two-way radios
Employees are expected to follow all safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity requirements at all times and immediately report unsafe conditions or incidents to management.
Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position due to time-sensitive hatchery operations.

Responsibilities

Comply with all biosecurity policies, procedures, and safety requirements of VALO BioMedia North America, LLC.
Follow and assist in the enforcement of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Handle, candle, and transfer eggs, including movement from incubators to hatchers.
Operate incubators and hatchers in accordance with established SOPs.
Handle and count chicks weekly.
Perform basic equipment maintenance as needed or as directed by management.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect hatchery equipment weekly, including operating washers for hatching baskets and other equipment.
Monitor incubation and hatching processes and assist with troubleshooting as needed.
Collect and record accurate handwritten and digital data daily, including but not limited to hatch rates, temperature, humidity, and viability metrics, in accordance with SOPs.
Utilize electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, wireless data systems, and printers for data entry and reporting.
Prepare pre-incubated eggs for shipment to customers, including candling, packaging, and labeling.
Load chicks onto transport vehicles in accordance with biosecurity and handling procedures.
Respond to alarm notifications as requested by management, which may include after-hours or off-schedule response.
Maintain flexibility in work schedule, including varying starting times as operational needs require.
Safely lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds repetitively; occasionally lift 50 pounds or more; and push incubation or hatching trolleys weighing up to 400 pounds.
Maintain the hatchery and surrounding areas in a clean, organized, and biosecurity condition using prescribed procedures and disinfectants.
Perform all other duties as necessary to support the successful operation of the farm and VALO BioMedia North America, LLC.