Bird Health Manager

The Bird Health Manager is responsible for overseeing and supporting all activities that impact bird health, welfare, livability, and egg production at the assigned site.

This position works closely with the General Manager of Live Operations, Layer and Pullet Managers, veterinarian, nutritionist, supervisors, and other operational teams to maintain a healthy bird environment and drive continuous improvement.

The Bird Health Manager provides day-to-day animal welfare oversight while supporting safety, biosecurity, poultry husbandry, personnel management, cost control, operating efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with the nutritionist to maximize the effectiveness of feed formulation.
• Plan, manage, and execute optimal feed and lighting schedules.
• Oversee water quality, availability, and related bird health concerns.
• Monitor and assist with bird movement and flock scheduling.
• Coordinate the timely collection and submission of environmental and serology samples.
• Assist the veterinarian with bird health programs, evaluations, and other duties.
• Perform physical analysis and evaluation of birds.
• Track, investigate, and document egg quality concerns.
• Conduct research and maintain accurate records of findings.
• Assist management in maintaining optimal ventilation and environmental conditions.
• Support and help lead safety, biosecurity, operational, animal welfare, and bird health programs.
• Oversee poultry husbandry and flock-management practices.
• Lead troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts related to bird health and livability.
• Work with supervisors and staff to effectively manage bird health and egg production.
• Ensure SOPs are properly understood, followed, and consistently executed.
• Assist with employee training and retraining when operational or animal welfare improvements are needed.
• Support effective employee scheduling to maximize labor efficiency and control costs.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure staffing and employment practices comply with company policies and applicable labor laws.
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations, animal welfare standards, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams on preventive maintenance and equipment needs to minimize downtime.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the Layer and Pullet Departments.
• Identify more effective and cost-efficient ways to improve operations, bird health, and flock performance.
• Communicate routine and urgent production concerns to the General Manager of Live Operations and escalate issues appropriately.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and operational management skills.
• Ability to lead by example and step into operations when necessary.
• Ability to motivate, coach, and develop employees.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to quickly identify problems and translate observations into effective action plans.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with outside vendors and suppliers.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong computer and data-entry skills.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, or a related field preferred.
• Sufficient relevant experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.
• Experience working with layers and/or pullets strongly preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong verbal, reading, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of poultry production, flock management, animal welfare, and biosecurity practices.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow SOPs and other written operating instructions.
• Experience using computers to run reports, enter data, maintain records, and complete required quality-system documentation.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and assume additional responsibilities.

This position requires schedule flexibility based on operational needs. Candidates must be available to work weekdays, weekends, and variable shift start and end times as required.

The position requires the ability to:

• Routinely lift up to 40 pounds.
• Stand and/or walk for approximately 8–10 hours per day.
• Reach and work above and below shoulder level.
• Work around moving mechanical equipment.
• Work in outdoor weather conditions and various poultry-production environments.
• Work in elevated or other operational areas as required.
• Perform computer-based work requiring appropriate visual and auditory abilities.

Pay Range: $80,000–$120,000 annually

Compensation will be based on qualifications, education, relevant poultry experience, leadership experience, and overall fit for the position.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person