Overview

A live operations manager is responsible for managing the daily operations and production on poultry farms and hatcheries. They ensure the safety and welfare of both staff and animals while performing planning, organizing, directing and controlling functions of the farm. Live operations managers manage chick care, maintenance and coordinate the outside work with service technicians.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Support the overall day-to-day operations of a poultry farm or hatchery
• Maintain and build positive relationships with employees
• Manage chick care, maintenance, packing and transfer activities
• Manage a team of hatchery employees
• Coordinate schedules and decide on the work activities of each employee
• Manage and coordinate hatchery activities
• Schedule and work with outside service technicians
• Ensure farm compliance with regulatory agencies and organizational policies
• Create and communicate team's documented goals
• Monitor facility equipment and repairs
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• Oversee hatchery sanitation
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• Manage animal welfare program
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• Plan and oversee hatchery or farm budget

What education and training is required?

Live operations managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in poultry science, agribusiness, agricultural economics, business Administration, food science or a related field. Extensive farming experience obtained from working on a hatchery or poultry farm is also usually required for this management position.

To pursue a career as an Live Operations Manager :

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, agricultural mechanics, animal science, biology, earth science, business, mathematics and personal finance.

Where can I work?

Live operations managers are employed by farm owners, large farming companies, or they are self-employed and work on their own farms.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Good

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
• American Poultry Association
• Poultry Science Association
• National Chicken Council
• State and local poultry associations