Hatchery Associate Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

We are looking for future leaders to join us! We are actively seeking a hardworking, energetic, self-starter to join our Live Operations team in Thorntown, IN as a Flock Advisor Pathways Participant with a program start of June 2026.

The Perdue Pathways Program is designed to develop talented individuals into future leaders in the company's operations management field.

Our 24-month program, combines hands-on training by direct observation and shadowing, learning and development sessions, continuous improvement projects, and a series of structured rotations. The participant will be fully immersed and actively engage in all aspects of Live operations. Upon successful completion of the program, the Pathways participant will have the opportunity to transition into a supervisor role.

During your first 12 months, you will rotate through and engage with key areas of the Perdue Farms organization, gaining broad exposure and hands-on experience. Upon successful completion of the rotation, the anticipated next step would be a supervisor role. The second year of the program focuses on your continued growth, featuring dedicated mentorship, a personalized development plan, leadership training, and participation in talent reviews. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare you not only for your immediate role but to support long-term career success at Perdue Farms.

Expectations -

In this position, you will be offered the opportunity to learn and develop skills vital for a career in Live operations; include, flock advisor, area supervisor, assistant hatchery manager, hatchery manager, feedmill manager.

Benefits -

• Participation in up to, two (2) Regional Trainings with fellow Pathways participants. Events include, career development, social activities, philanthropy events, company tours and senior leadership interaction.
• Competitive starting salary, with pay increases following 6 and 12 months of tenure. Comprehensive benefit package also includes: transition bonus and relocation.
• Anticipated placement into a supervisor level after successful completion of your first 12 months in the Pathways program.
• 2nd year benefits include: Refining leadership skills, enhanced learning opportunities, personalized career mapping, and dedicated mentorship.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Work directly with assigned contract producers to improve company profitability and competitive position by implementing production programs and documenting producer compliance at each visit to the farm.
• Direct interaction with all departments of the company that are associated with our contract producers. 
• Responsible for maintaining good communication and flow of information from the company to contract producers and vice versa. 
• Ensuring that all requirements are met or exceeded with include but not limited to current prescribed department and company initiatives. 
• Maintain route compliance to Poultry Welfare, Food Safety, and Environmental "Best Management Practices" to maintain a strong brand image.
• Support other departments within the company that are impacted by the producers on assigned route by maintaining good open lines of communication between all parties.  
• The ability to monitor chick placements, bird weights, flock movements, mortality, and feed inventories.  The ability to assess bird health, administer proper field vaccinations, prescribe treatment, and perform various testing on birds to identify disease and relay finding to management. 
• Demonstrate competency with poultry health and disease as it relates to poultry production. 
• Act in a professional and courteous manner at all times upholding professional and positive work image for self and Perdue Farms.
• Comply and follow company requirements regarding bio-security, food safety and poultry welfare programs and policies at all times.
• Manage company vehicle and operate in a safe manner complying will all Perdue, state and federal requirements/policies and use only for work related purposes.
• Maintain assigned route square footage to meet the demands established by sales to fulfill customer orders.
• Maintain safe working environment.

Minimum Education

• Completed Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university within 24 months of the Pathways program starting.
• Program starts in June 2026 will accept applications from the following graduation years: May 2026, December 2025, May 2025, December 2024, and May 2024
• Bachelor's Degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness Management or Business Administration

Qualifications

• Good customer service skills.
• Strong reading, math, writing communication skills (oral and written), analytical skills and a statistical background.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well within a team setting, as well as independently.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to motivate in a team atmosphere.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Must be physically able to work in all locations including hatcheries, feed mills, chicken houses and processing plants.
• Exposed to seasonal weather conditions as well as significant amount of airborne dust, feathers, when in a plant environment: Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Exposure to chicken manure and associated odors, including ammonia, especially in the production houses.
• Required to perform moderate physical exertion to include pushing pulling and lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Must be able to climb to a height of 30' as well as significant amount of bending, lifting and stooping.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.