Poultry Vaccination Technician

Aviagen • Pikeville, TN

1d • 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 is suited to a dependable, detail-oriented person committed to caring for live animals in an agricultural environment.

The technician handles birds of various ages, supports vaccinations, collects samples, monitors flock health, maintains records, and cleans and sanitizes work areas and equipment. The position operates in a commercial poultry breeding and agricultural environment and may involve working up to six days per week, including weekends and holidays, according to 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.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standardized operating procedures.
• Ability to 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.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain authorization throughout employment.

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 in accordance with company Animal Welfare Standards and industry best practices.
• Assist with vaccination programs by preparing birds, administering vaccines as trained, and supporting vaccination activities.
• Collect, move, and restrain birds for weighing, vaccination, health evaluations, and routine 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 Standards, Animal Welfare Guidelines, and company Biosecurity Policies and Procedures.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and tools using approved products and practices.
• Maintain accurate records relating to vaccinations, sample collection, bird identification, and flock activities.
• Follow Environmental Health and Safety policies and use required Personal Protective Equipment.
• Collaborate with farm management and team members to meet production schedules and flock management objectives.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas while supporting farm operations.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, subject to plan terms and eligibility.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Teladoc.
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability benefits.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) beginning at 14 days annually, prorated based on hire date.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match, where eligible.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed