Location: Ngongotahā, Rotorua

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time

Roster: Includes on-call duties (week on / week off) when in quarantine

Where New Zealand's poultry industry begins

At Aviagen New Zealand, everything begins at our Rotorua Quarantine Facility. This is one of the most critical points in the poultry breeding pipeline — the gateway where the world's most advanced Great Grandparent (GGP) poultry genetics enter New Zealand as imported fertilised poultry breeding prime eggs.

The work carried out at this site underpins every Aviagen broiler chicken grown in New Zealand. It is a highly regulated, biosecure operation with national significance.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Quarantine Manager to support the day-to-day operation of our Rotorua Quarantine Farm. Working closely with the Quarantine Farm Manager, you will assist with the receipt, incubation, hatching, quarantine, and rearing of birds derived from imported fertilised eggs, ensuring all processes meet Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and internal compliance requirements.

You will also step into full site responsibility during the Quarantine Farm Manager's planned or unplanned absence. This is a hands-on leadership role in a small, specialist team where attention to detail, consistency, and calm decision-making are essential.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the management of imported fertilised poultry breeding prime eggs and the birds hatched from them, in accordance with MPI and company standards
• Oversee egg incubation, hatching, chick placement, and rearing to meet health, welfare, and production targets
• Maintain strict biosecurity, strain security, animal welfare, quality and health & safety practices
• Support staff leadership including rostering, training, and competency assessment
• Coordinate clean-outs, maintenance activities, and contractor work within required timeframes
• Monitor flock performance and maintain accurate records on areas including hatchability, mortality, bodyweight, CV's, feed intake, and vaccination programmes
• Complete accurate operational and compliance reporting
• Respond to site alarms within required timeframes and participate in the on-call roster
• Act as site lead during the Quarantine Farm Manager's absence

Skills, experience, and qualifications

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of animal welfare codes and animal husbandry practices
• At least 3 years practical experience with poultry rearing, egg incubation, and animal health management
• Understanding of biosecurity and environmental control systems
• Proven ability to remain calm, analytical and decisive in time-critical or unexpected situation
• Ability to work independently in a highly regulated environment
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Good physical capability for hands-on farm work
• Understanding of workplace health and safety requirements

Desirable

• Qualification in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, or a related field (Diploma or Degree)
• Experience supporting staff supervision or farm cost control

Remuneration and benefits

• Salary: NZD $80,000 - $90,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
• Additional benefits: Company-provided housing (due to on-call and alarm response requirements) and discretionary performance bonus

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

A full position description is available on request.