Hatchery Supervisor - Ellenwood Hatchery (Days)

As a Hatchery Supervisor at Foster Farms, your primary responsibilities include supervising hatchery production, ensuring the quality of chicks, managing the daily transfer of eggs, and maintaining labor efficiencies. You will also provide safety training for employees, oversee inventory control, and execute hatchery programs and safety standards. Collaborating with various departments to maintain a smooth operational flow is also a key aspect of this position.

Applicants for the Hatchery Supervisor role at Foster Farms should possess a BS in Poultry Science, Engineering, or Business, or have equivalent work experience, preferably in the poultry industry. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word are crucial. A bilingual ability in English and Spanish is preferred, as well as a results-oriented mindset and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.

The pay range for a Hatchery Supervisor at Foster Farms is between $69,300 and $80,885 per year. This compensation reflects the significant responsibilities of supervising hatchery operations and ensuring the production of high-quality chicks while maintaining safety and efficiency.

At Foster Farms, the work environment for a Hatchery Supervisor is both collaborative and family-oriented. You will work closely with a team of dedicated professionals who share a commitment to excellence. The company emphasizes safety, productivity, and employee development, fostering a culture where every team member’s contributions are valued.

Yes, Foster Farms highly values employee development and offers numerous opportunities for advancement. In fact, more than half of our job openings are filled by internal promotions, allowing you to gain diverse experiences across different functional groups and grow your career in the poultry industry.

To ensure quality and safety in hatchery production, focus on implementing strict protocols that cover every aspect of operations. Regularly conduct safety inspections, provide consistent training sessions on best practices for handling chicks and eggs, and engage with your team to maintain open communication about potential issues.

In a fast-paced environment, it's crucial to remain organized while empowering your team. Share examples of how you have effectively delegated tasks, established clear performance expectations, and provided on-the-spot coaching to ensure that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.

Improving hatchery productivity involves analyzing current processes for efficiency. Implement strategies such as regular training for staff on new techniques, investing in automation, and establishing performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, all while encouraging team input for innovative solutions.

Addressing conflicts among team members should be done proactively. Engage directly with conflicting parties individually to understand their perspectives. Foster a culture of open communication and encourage resolution-focused discussions, leading to better teamwork and collaboration.

Maintaining inventory control is critical, and using a systematic approach helps. Regular audits, utilizing inventory management software, and training team members on proper tracking processes can help ensure all supplies, including eggs and vaccines, are accounted for accurately.

Handling a safety incident requires immediacy and thoroughness. You should first ensure the safety of all employees involved, then document the incident meticulously. Next, follow set procedures for reporting to management, and finally, conduct a review to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.

Implementation of new technologies should be approached with caution. Start by researching solutions that address specific challenges, then engage your team in training sessions to ensure smooth integration. Collect feedback post-implementation to refine processes continually.

Biosecurity measures are crucial in hatchery operations. Discuss your experience in establishing strict hygiene protocols for staff, visitors, and equipment. Highlight your knowledge of biosecurity laws, and provide examples of how you’ve successfully minimized disease risks in previous roles.

Evaluating employee performance involves regular, structured assessments. Use clear criteria based on key performance indicators (KPIs), provide constructive feedback regularly, and encourage self-evaluation and personal development plans. This will foster growth and accountability.

In a dynamic work environment, effective scheduling is vital. Utilize scheduling tools to forecast demands, communicate openly with staff regarding availability, and build flexibility into schedules to accommodate unexpected changes, ensuring operations run smoothly.