Hatchery Worker - Separator

Job summary

Safely remove chick baskets from hatchers, assess chick and flock conditions, and operate the separator to separate chicks from hatch debris. Inspect work areas and equipment, handle live and cull chicks appropriately, report concerns to the Supervisor, and dispose of hatch waste according to established procedures.

Job details

Location: 70 Heritage Drive, New Hamburg Job Type: Full-Time Posting Date: 10/08/2026 Application Deadline: 10/15/2026 Shift Details: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5am to finish (shifts may be subject to change) Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount ________________________________________ About Us We’re a carbon-neutral food company on a mission to Raise the Good in Food—through better nutrition, safer workplaces, humane animal care, and sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We also work to reduce food insecurity in Canada. Join us and help build a better future. ________________________________________ Position Summary The Separator is responsible for safely and efficiently separating chicks from hatch debris and ensuring proper handling of animals. This position supports operational standards procedures outlined in the CFIA Hatchery Preventive Control Plan and the NFACC Code of Practice while maintaining high standards of animal welfare. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities Safely remove stacks of chick baskets from hatchers using Cart Caddy and Power Tug, following proper safety, quality, and animal welfare procedures. Assess general flock conditions and report any signs of delayed hatching, distress, or poor chick condition to the Supervisor. Set up and operate the separator machine to ensure effective separation of chicks and hatch debris. Perform visual checks of the upper catch area, cage area, Remote Video Auditing station, floors, equipment, and catch trays to ensure any live chicks are handled appropriately. Manually load chicks onto the conveyor when high volumes of infertile eggs are present to prevent contact with yolk. Remove cull chicks from separator boxes, performing humane euthanasia of embryos or chicks when necessary, including operating the macerator. Dispose of egg waste and hatch debris in accordance with established procedures. ________________________________________ What’s in it for you? $21.40 - $22.40 per hour (based on progression) Pension eligibility after 1 year of service Health Benefits after 3 months of employment ________________________________________ Qualifications Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Physically capable of lifting up to [weight] lbs Strong attention to detail and safety Previous experience in manufacturing or food production (asset) Reliable transportation to work site ________________________________________ Apply Now Submit your resume via: Online portal: www.mapleleaffoods.com/careers/ Position ID:2026-NHB-31 We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We champion diversity and inclusion as part of our purpose and vision, living our Leadership Values and driving results. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired. We confirm that AI tools are not utilized in the evaluation or selection of candidates within our hiring process.

What you’ll do

Safely remove chick baskets from hatchers, assess chick and flock conditions, and operate the separator to separate chicks from hatch debris. Inspect work areas and equipment, handle live and cull chicks appropriately, report concerns to the Supervisor, and dispose of hatch waste according to established procedures.

Requirements

Candidates must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, lift up to an unspecified weight, and have reliable transportation to the work site. Manufacturing or food production experience is an asset; attention to detail and safety is important.

Benefits

• Pension Eligibility After One Year
• Health Benefits After Three Months

Listed skills

• safety procedures · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Quality Control · Preferred
• Physical stamina · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Animal Handling
• Animal Welfare
• Hatchery Operations
• Separator Machine Operation
• Equipment Operation
• Safety Procedures
• Quality Control
• Visual Inspection
• Attention to Detail
• Physical Stamina
• Waste Disposal
• Humane Euthanasia
• Team Communication

Job areas

• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Food & Beverage
• Security & Safety

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