Poultry Vaccination Technician

Job Description Summary

The Poultry Vaccination Technician plays an essential role in supporting the health, welfare, and performance of poultry within Aviagen's breeding operations. Working as part of the Vaccination Crew, this position is responsible for assisting with bird handling, vaccination programs, health monitoring, sample collection, and other husbandry activities while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and safety are maintained.

The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to providing excellent care for live animals in an agricultural environment.

About the role

• 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 to ensure flock health.
• Collect, move, and restrain birds for weighing, vaccination, health evaluations, and routine flock management activities.
• Collect blood samples and other biological samples as directed for health monitoring and diagnostic testing.
• Apply, remove, or replace identification bands and tags in accordance with company procedures.
• Observe birds daily for signs of illness, injury, stress, or abnormal behavior and promptly report concerns to supervisors.
• Support animal husbandry activities that promote bird health, comfort, and productivity.
• Follow all Animal Care Standards, Animal Welfare Guidelines, and company Biosecurity Policies and Procedures to protect flock health.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and tools using approved detergents, disinfectants, and sanitation practices.
• Maintain accurate records related to vaccinations, sample collection, bird identification, and flock activities.
• Follow all Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies and utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Work collaboratively with farm management and fellow team members to meet production schedules and flock management objectives.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas while supporting overall farm operations.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in poultry, livestock, agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary support, or farming is preferred but not required.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with live animals in an agricultural environment.
• Demonstrated 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to humane animal care and welfare.
• Ability to safely handle poultry while minimizing stress to the 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 new husbandry techniques and participate in ongoing training.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach, and twist.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements including gripping, grasping, and handling birds.
• Safely handle live poultry throughout the workday.
• Work with approved cleaning chemicals, detergents, disinfectants, and vaccination supplies while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Perform repetitive production tasks while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Working Conditions

This position is performed in a commercial poultry breeding and agricultural environment.

Employees may regularly be exposed to

• Live poultry and routine animal handling.
• Poultry houses, brood facilities, and other agricultural environments.
• Farm-related dust, feathers, dander, and agricultural odors.
• Cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and agricultural sanitation products.
• Loud equipment and production environments requiring hearing protection.
• Indoor and outdoor work in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Strict biosecurity procedures designed to protect flock health.

Additional information

Work schedules may include up to six (6) days per week, including weekends and holidays, based on flock schedules and business needs.

Benefits

Aviagen provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Eligible employees may participate in medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents.

Additional benefits include

• 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)

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with Aviagen.