Hatchery Quality Assurance

Hatchery Quality Assurance

At Atlantic Poultry Incorporated (API) we are committed to feeding our communities through stewardship of the land and animals in our care to inspire the next generation of Atlantic Canadian Farmers. API is a proud supporter of the poultry industry, providing feed, chicks, and fresh eggs year around to our customers throughout Atlantic Canada.

The Hatchery Quality Assurance report to VP Sales and Corporate Development and work closely with the Technical Operations Manager Hatcheries to ensure that the hatchery quality standards are maintained to the specifications of the API Preventative Control Program, industry standards, industry regulations, and biosecurity requirements.

The Hatchery Quality Assurance will work with the supervisors to stop the production line for corrective actions should any monitored values fall out of acceptable ranges.

**Schedule**

The work schedule for this position is typically Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week. Varying hours, evening, weekend, and holiday work will be required depending on operational requirements.

**Position Accountabilities**
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of QA programs to ensure the consistent production of high-quality chicks/eggs.
- Alongside the Technical Operations Manager Hatcheries, monitor hatchery operations to ensure compliance with company protocols, HACCP, GMP, biosecurity, and regulatory requirements.
- Support internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
- Conduct root cause analysis of quality issues and coordinate cross-functional solutions as required.
- Collect, analyze, and report QA performance data (e.g., hatch rate, contamination rates, vaccination efficacy).
- Oversee calibration and maintenance of quality-related equipment and instruments.
- Support the Technical Operations Manager Hatcheries with educating Hatchery Workers on quality and biosecurity SOPs and practices.
- Interface with suppliers and vendors to manage quality of incoming materials (e.g., eggs, vaccines, feed) as required.
- Maintain documentation and records related to QA policies, audits, incidents, and resolutions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, yield, and compliance.
- Assist with Embrex vaccination and any processes or checks required to ensure accuracy during transfer.
- Ensure tasks related to the QA SOPs of the Preventative Control Program are completed as required. These include, but are not limited to: microbiological testing, fluff sampling, egg inspection, candling & egg weights, count checks, chick vent temperature monitoring, and fertility checks and hatch residue breakouts.
- Assist in monitoring setter and hatcher operation through various forms of temperature checks and other monitoring procedures as required.
- Perform animal welfare audits as required
- Fill in as Hatchery Worker as required.
- Provide an environment free of animal cruelty, abuse and/or neglect for our poultry
- Protect the organization’s value by keeping all protected and proprietary information confidential
- Practice bio security protocol
- Follow all safety processes and procedures
- All other duties as assigned

**Position Requirements**
- Grade 12 or equivalent preferred
- 1-2 years' experience working in a similar role would be considered an asset
- Strong commitment to health & safety
- Ability to lift up to 14kgs (30lbs) for extended periods
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Pleasant, outgoing personality, with a friendly positive approach to customer service
- Proven skill to format and draft correspondence, forms, reports, and proposals
- Experience in the agricultural industry preferred
- High attention to detail

The position operates indoors in a production environment, along with office work. The work environment may be warm and humid, noisy, dusty, and strong odours. Standing for long periods of time and repetitive tasks are common.

**Advantages working at API**

At API, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your mental, physical, and overall well-being. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

- Health and Dental
- Extended Health Care
- Participation in the API Pension Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Participation in API Bonus Program

If you're driven by precision, teamwork, and animal welfare, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in an exciting agricultural environment.