Job Description Summary:
Aviagen Turkeys Inc. is looking for a Poultry Selection Assistant. This employee supports the Genomics team during turkey selection and data collection. The employee gathers, moves, catches, holds, and presents turkeys for evaluation; records bird identification and assigned measurements; and maintains an orderly selection workflow. The role requires humane bird handling, close attention to detail, dependable teamwork, and strict compliance with biosecurity, animal-welfare, safety, and data-integrity requirements.
Job Description:
Selection Support and Bird Handling
- Prepare pens, staging areas, lanes, equipment, and supplies before selection or measurement activities begin.
- Locate and gather the correct turkeys by flock, pen, group, or other assigned identifier and move them calmly and safely to the selection area.
- Catch, hold, position, and present birds in a consistent manner so authorized team members can evaluate or measure them efficiently.
- Maintain each bird's identity and group assignment throughout the process; prevent mix-ups when birds are moved, measured, selected, separated, or returned.
- Move birds to the correct designated pen or category according to selector instructions and assist with counts or reconciliation when requested.
- Observe birds during handling and immediately report signs of injury, illness, excessive stress, missing identification, or other concerns.
Data Collection and Integrity
- Read and confirm individual bird identification, such as wing bands, leg bands, tags, pen numbers, or electronic identifiers, before recording information.
- Collect assigned measurements and observations, including body weight and other approved selection or phenotype data, using scales, electronic devices, and measuring equipment as trained.
- Enter or record information accurately and completely in the required paper or electronic system and follow established data-entry order and naming conventions.
Team and Operational Support
- Follow daily work assignments and technical direction from Genomics, Selection, Farm, and other authorized team members.
- Communicate clearly with coworkers to maintain safe bird movement, accurate identification, and efficient workflow.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and properly store, charge, or return equipment and supplies after use.
- Participate in required training and demonstrate continued proficiency in bird handling, measurement procedures, data entry, biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare.
- Provide service-crew or other farm support related to selection activities as workload requires and perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to handle live poultry calmly, confidently, and humanely in a fast-moving team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate bird identification, counts, measurements, and records.
- Basic math skills and ability to read scales, measurements, labels, and identification numbers accurately.
- Ability to learn and consistently follow detailed written, verbal, and demonstrated procedures.
- Ability to use or learn handheld scanners, scales, tablets, computers, and other data-collection equipment used by the team.
- Dependability, punctuality, and willingness to complete repetitive work without sacrificing accuracy or animal care.
- Ability to work cooperatively, accept direction, communicate concerns promptly, and adjust to changing flock and selection needs.
- Ability to protect confidential information and follow established data-integrity practices.
Physical Requirements
- Regularly stand and walk for extended periods on concrete, litter, uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
- Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach, grasp, and use repetitive hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, and back movements while gathering, catching, holding, and moving turkeys.
- Safely lift, carry, hold, and restrain live turkeys and job-related equipment within the weight limits established for the work area, using team lifts or mechanical assistance when required.
- Maintain the balance, coordination, grip strength, and mobility needed to work safely around moving birds, gates, pens, carts, crates, and equipment.
- Wear required personal protective equipment and complete required biosecurity entry and exit procedures.
Benefits:
Aviagen Turkey's Inc. provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the healthcare and financial well-being of our employees. Aviagen offers medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of Plan documents. Additionally, you will be eligible for company observed paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on your hire date.