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Chicken Factory Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Maintenance RTE 2nd

Gainesville, GA · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high ... Minimum Qualifications (Required) High school or tech school education and 3 years of factory ...

Chicken Factory information

See Georgia salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$89.1K

How much do chicken factory jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for chicken factory in Georgia is $62,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chicken factory worker?

To thrive as a Chicken Factory Worker, you need basic knowledge of food safety, physical stamina, and the ability to follow standard operating procedures, typically requiring at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial machinery, conveyor systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are often necessary. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies help ensure product quality, maintain workplace safety, and support the smooth operation of poultry processing facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by workers in a chicken processing factory, and how can they be addressed?

Employees in a chicken processing factory often encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, fast-paced environments, and strict health and safety regulations. To address these challenges, it's important to follow best practices for ergonomics, maintain clear communication with supervisors, and participate in safety training programs. Many companies offer support through team-based work structures and opportunities for cross-training, which can help reduce fatigue and promote a supportive work environment.

What is a chicken factory worker?

Chicken factory workers are employees who work in poultry processing plants, where chickens are prepared for sale and consumption. Their tasks typically include slaughtering, cleaning, cutting, packaging, and inspecting chickens to ensure quality and safety standards are met. The work is often fast-paced and requires attention to hygiene and safety protocols. Workers may operate machinery, handle raw poultry, and wear protective clothing. The role is essential for getting chicken products from farms to grocery stores and restaurants.

What is the difference between Chicken Factory vs Poultry Processing Worker?

AspectChicken FactoryPoultry Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma often requiredHigh school diploma often required
Work EnvironmentIndoor, cold, fast-pacedIndoor, cold, fast-paced
Industry UsageCommonly used in poultry productionCommonly used in poultry processing plants
Job FocusHandling live chickens or processing raw poultryProcessing poultry products, packaging

Both roles are integral to poultry industry operations, often sharing similar environments and credentials. The main difference lies in scope: 'Chicken Factory' is a broader term that can include various roles within poultry production, while 'Poultry Processing Worker' specifically refers to workers involved in processing and packaging poultry products.

What are popular job titles related to Chicken Factory jobs in Georgia?

For Chicken Factory jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chicken Factory jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Chicken Factory jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Chicken Factory jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Chicken Factory job openings:

Infographic showing various Chicken Factory job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,114 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Lead Maintenance RTE 2nd

John Soules Foods, Inc

Gainesville, GA • On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


John Soules Foods rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

429th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Title: Lead Maintenance RTE
Location: Gainesville, GA
Department: Maintenance
Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor
Normal Work Schedule: The typical working hours vary depending on the schedule offered, with a 30-minute lunch.
Overview of Company
John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple® drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately $1 billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.
Job Summary
This position is responsible for supporting the operational needs of the facility by performing maintenance tasks and ensuring equipment reliability throughout the plant. The Maintenance Lead Tech plays a key role in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of production machinery, utility systems, and the general building structure. This position reports directly to the Maintenance Supervisor.
Qualifications
  • Minimum Qualifications (Required)

High school or tech school education and 3 years of factory-related experience in a maintenance environment, Ability to perform general maintenance tasks directed or assigned by the supervisor. Familiar with hand tools and power tools, common in maintenance work. Willing to work overtime, including weekends as needed, and must have excellent attendance and good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment. Understanding of Lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in a maintenance or manufacturing environment, Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Experience performing preventive maintenance procedures. Technical school certification in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance, Previous experience operating or maintaining DSI or similar automated cutting equipment, a strong focus and ability to work in a team-oriented environment, and the ability to learn multiple tasks. Self-motivated, strong time management and organizational skills.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include performing routine and emergency maintenance on production equipment and utility systems, troubleshooting and repairing electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems, and completing preventive maintenance tasks in a timely manner. The Lead technician is expected to detect and report defective materials or questionable conditions to supervision, maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and tools, and support plant operations with machinery adjustments or installations. This position also involves assisting and communicating with outside contractors when necessary, following all prescribed safety regulations and procedures at all times, and contributing to the achievement of production goals by minimizing equipment downtime. Additional duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
NOTE: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the organization's ongoing needs; these duties are considered marginal.
Work Environment
The DSI Maintenance Tech job takes place primarily in the production floor or maintenance shop that involves a fast-paced setting, requires flexibility and the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain focus and work efficiently as part of the team, handling frequently power tools or hand tools, exposure to cold, wet environment (40F - 45F) while performing tasks, being frequent exposed to dust, odors, oil, fumes, and moderate noise levels, frequent moving equipment, moving traffic and dry/wet areas, wearing PPE all the time to follow the company's Safety and Food Safety Polices. Lockout/tagout devices when needed
Physical Demands
Employees must be able to stand, walk, squat, and stop for long periods (8+ hours). Climbing ladders is required. Use their hands for tasks, reach with their arms, and communicate verbally. Ability to move objects up to 75lbs. if necessary, moderate to heavy physical effort, ability to bend, lift, and twist repeatedly. Close, distance, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following:
  • Vacation

  • Sick days

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

  • 401k with company match

  • Telemedicine

  • Onsite Clinic - Tyler and Valley

  • Free annual health screening

  • STD and LTD

  • Life insurance

John Soules Foods is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Applicants with disabilities needing accommodation during the application process can contact Human Resources at the relevant location.
John Soules Foods will not discriminate against applicants who discuss their compensation. We also participate in the E-Verify program where required by law.
Unsolicited Assistance: Soules Foods does not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for U.S. positions. Resumes or candidate profiles submitted without a valid written request and search agreement from HR will be considered the property of Soules Foods. No fees will be paid for candidates hired through unsolicited referrals.

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