Hatchery Supervisor

Hatchery Supervisor Job Description

Position Title: Hatchery Supervisor

Location: Harrison Poultry; Bethlehem, GA

Employment Type: Full Time

Reports To: Hatchery Manager

Job Summary:

The Hatchery Supervisor is a supervisory employee responsible for overseeing daily operations in the hatchery supporting a poultry processing plant. This role manages the incubation, hatching, and preparation of chicks for delivery to broiler farms, ensuring high hatch rates, chick quality, and compliance with biosecurity and welfare standards under the direction of the Hatchery Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise hatchery staff in operating incubators and hatchers to maintain conditions for incubation.
• Monitor egg fertility, hatch rates, and chick health, adjusting equipment settings to maximize yield.
• Coordinate egg receiving from breeder farms, inspecting egg quality and ensuring proper storage.
• Oversee chick processing, ensuring healthy chicks are prepared for transport to broiler farms.
• Train staff on hatchery procedures, biosecurity protocols and equipment use to maintain standards.
• Maintain accurate records of egg sets, hatches, and chick deliveries, reporting performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, biosecurity measures, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage hatchery sanitation, supervising cleaning of incubators, hatchers, and chick handling areas.
• Coordinate with live haul teams to schedule chick deliveries, aligning with placement needs.
• Report equipment malfunctions, chick quality issues, or staffing needs to the Hatchery Manager.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate’s degree in poultry science or equivalent experience.
• Experience in poultry hatchery with prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a warm, humid environment with exposure to dust, poultry odors, and noise.
• Knowledge of incubation processes, chick health, and biosecurity practices specific to poultry.
• Leadership skills to manage staff, enforce standards, and coordinate with farm and plant teams.
• Physical stamina to stand, lift 50 lbs. and handle egg trays or chick boxes throughout the shift.
• Attention to detail to monitor hatch conditions, assess chick quality, and maintain accurate records.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Quality Assurance/Quality Control programs and sanitation protocols.
• Commitment to high standards of animal welfare and operational excellence.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a poultry hatchery facility that includes both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Conditions may involve variable temperatures, high humidity, and exposure to noise.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as coveralls, gloves, and safety boots may be required to ensure safety and compliance.