Poultry Vaccination Technician

Aviagen•Pikeville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Poultry Vaccination Technician supports the health, welfare, and performance of poultry in Aviagen’s breeding operations. As part of the Vaccination Crew, the technician assists with bird handling, vaccination programs, health monitoring, sample collection, and husbandry activities while maintaining animal welfare, biosecurity, and safety standards. The role involves handling birds of different ages, supporting vaccinations, collecting samples, monitoring flock health, maintaining records, and cleaning work areas and equipment. Work takes place in a commercial poultry breeding and agricultural environment, with schedules that may include up to six days per week, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on flock schedules and business needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
Comfort working with live animals in an agricultural environment.
Reliability, strong work ethic, and consistent attendance.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as production needs require.
Commitment to humane animal care and welfare.
Ability to safely handle poultry while minimizing stress to birds.
Ability to follow standardized operating procedures and work efficiently in a fast-paced agricultural environment.
Basic recordkeeping and documentation skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding breeding stock and company operations.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Willingness to learn husbandry techniques and participate in ongoing training.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach, and twist.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements.
Ability to safely handle live poultry throughout the workday and perform repetitive production tasks while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Ability to work with approved cleaning chemicals, detergents, disinfectants, and vaccination supplies while wearing appropriate PPE.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in poultry, livestock, agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary support, or farming is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Safely and humanely handle day-old chicks and birds of various ages according to company animal welfare standards and industry practices.
Assist with vaccination programs, including preparing birds, administering vaccines as trained, and supporting vaccination activities.
Collect, move, and restrain birds for weighing, vaccination, health evaluations, and flock management.
Collect blood and other biological samples for health monitoring and diagnostic testing as directed.
Apply, remove, or replace identification bands and tags according to company procedures.
Observe birds for signs of illness, injury, stress, or abnormal behavior and promptly report concerns to supervisors.
Support husbandry activities that promote bird health, comfort, and productivity.
Follow animal care, animal welfare, and biosecurity policies and procedures.
Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and tools using approved products and practices.
Maintain accurate records related to vaccinations, samples, bird identification, and flock activities.
Follow Environmental Health and Safety policies and use required Personal Protective Equipment.
Work collaboratively with farm management and team members to meet production schedules and flock management objectives.
Maintain clean, organized work areas and support overall farm operations.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.