Incubationist

Job Description Summary:

Aviagen Anadolu is looking for a high potential, qualified and eager to learn candidate to fit in the position of Incubationist. Reporting to Hatchery Operations Manager, this position will require a focus on maintaining & improving production by monitoring the production processes, preparing reports, ensuring bio-security & animal welfare actions are in place and supporting/managing the production teams. Take necessary precautions to ensure the highest chick quality and maintain optimal hatchability, while creating and effectively implementing action plans in Aviagen Anadolu Hatcheries.

Management:

• Represent the company in the best possible way during internal and external events.

• Motivate and support the professional development of team members.

• Actively participate in company group projects.

• Communicate and collaborate with Aviagen Global Incubation Specialists to enhance hatchery operations.

• Report any negative situations affecting chick quality production to the hatchery managers and hatchery operations manager.

• Motivate quality control supervisors, contribute to their development, and ensure their training needs are met.

Operational:

• Ensure optimal egg storage, incubation, and chick holding conditions from egg receiving to delivery to customers.

• Follow correct incubation programs to produce high-quality, healthy chicks.

• Conduct quality control checks during egg receiving, record findings, and report to the Planning Specialist and Hatchery Operations Manager as needed.

• Take and implement necessary precautions to minimize hatchability losses during egg storage.

• Determine and verify the most suitable incubation program prior to setting eggs.

• Monitor vital incubation parameters (temperature, humidity, ventilation, turning) to ensure ideal embryo development conditions.

• Make necessary adjustments to incubation programs to improve chick quality and hatchability.

• Evaluate candling results, identify potential issues, and take corrective actions.

• Assess chick quality on hatch days, classify cull chicks, investigate causes, and implement solutions for improvement.

• Track weight loss during incubation and make required adjustments.

• Monitor chick yield, analyze results, and adjust incubation time if necessary.

• Review and analyze break-out data, intervening in incubation parameters when required.

• Train and supervise break-out teams.

• Ensure environmental conditions for chicks are optimal, maintain records, and intervene when required.

• Prioritize animal welfare in all operational processes.

• Monitor and report chick holding conditions, addressing any animal welfare concerns.

• Analyze all incubation findings and prepare regular reports.

• Share updates and gather feedback during internal hatchery meetings to sustain high hatch results.

• Prepare technical bulletins and presentations on incubation practices.

• Stay updated on the latest incubation publications, research, and techniques.

• Keep hatchery staff informed about new techniques and best practices.

• Monitor DOA (Dead on Arrival) and FWM (First Week Mortality) results, analyze data, identify causes, and develop corrective actions.

• Design and conduct experiments to improve chick quality and hatch results, analyze outcomes, and report findings.

• Attend domestic and international incubation meetings, represent Aviagen Anadolu professionally, and share knowledge with the hatchery team.

• Collaborate with global and external incubation experts to discuss issues and implement optimal solutions.

Job Qualifications Required

Specific Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine or Engineering
• Experience in hatchery or poultry operations is a plus
• Experience in production with blue collar employees is a plus

Competencies, Skill & Attributes:

• Reporting: Recording, reporting, analysis of hatchery production data
• Communication: Communicating effectively (verbally and in writing) with superiors and subordinates to ensure expectations are clear to all
• Leadership: Providing timely guidance and support to relevant parties
• Standardization: Creating and promoting the usage of standard materials & reports
• Innovative Thinking: Curiosity to understand the needs of the hatchery and coming up with continuous improvement ideas for data analysis, reporting and production
• Problem-solving: Offering recommendations to improve productivity, profitability, quality and how to operate as a wider team
• Be proactive in identifying issues and opportunities
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Organized and structured approach to managing workload & production teams
• Self-motivated with the desire to learn new skills & technology
• Language: Good command in English & fluent in Turkish
• Proficiency in MS Office tools.