Hatchery Officer

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the receiving, inspection, grading, sorting and storage of hatching eggs to ensure they meet required quality standards.
  
• Ensure proper egg storage conditions, including temperature and humidity control.
  
• Oversee egg setting, pre-warming, transfer, candling and hatching processes in line with established standards.
  
• Monitor incubation parameters including temperature, humidity, CO₂ /ventilation and egg turning.
  
• Monitor hatchery machine performance and ensure achievement of set production targets.
  
• Ensure proper selection, grading and quality control of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs).
  
• Conduct breakout analysis, identify causes of poor hatchability and recommend corrective actions.
  
• Ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement of biosecurity and quality control programmes.
  
• Monitor vaccine storage, handling, thawing and vaccination procedures, including accuracy of vaccinators.
  
• Ensure high standards of hatchery hygiene, cleanliness and environmental management.
  
• Coordinate preventive maintenance of hatchery equipment and liaise with the maintenance team on repairs and equipment requirements.
  
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of hatchery waste in accordance with established procedures.
  
• Maintain accurate records of eggs received, eggs set, hatch results, DOC production and DOC wastage.
  
• Prepare and submit weekly, operational and regulatory reports as required.
  
• Monitor compliance with relevant government, veterinary, biosecurity and hatchery standards.
  
• Identify staff development needs and provide coaching, training and performance support to hatchery staff.
  
• Work collaboratively with breeding farms and other departments to address hatchery performance issues and improve overall productivity.
  
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Production Manager.
  

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent.
  
• Must be licensed by the Kenya Veterinary Board and in good standing.
  
• Experience in poultry production, hatchery operations or a related veterinary role will be an added advantage.
  
• Good understanding of poultry health, hatchery management, incubation and biosecurity practices.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
  
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving skills.
  
• Good communication, leadership and team-management skills.
  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and meet operational targets.