Director of Breeder Veterinary Services

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Perdue is seeking a Director of Breeder Veterinary Services who will oversee the medical care, health and welfare of an organziation's breeding animals, ensuring all operations meet or exceed veterinary standards and regulatory requirements. This position will be based in the regional vicinity of Statesville, NC with additional travel to DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Be an integral member of the Perdue Breeder Production teams
  1. Participate in Breeder Production and Flock Advisor meetings as needed
  2. Participate and advise in Breeder production management decisions as needed
• Design and lead biosecurity and preventive medicine programs
• Coordinate diagnostic testing and interpretation of lab results
• Diagnose and coordinate treatment plans for sick flocks
  1. Perform necropsies, pathology, bacteriology, virology
  2. Visit farms as needed (routine and sick flock visits) and advise growers on management issues that impact flock health
  3. Write prescriptions/maintain diagnostic lab records
• Evaluate potential vaccines/products/interventions to promote flock health
• Analyze farm, processing, and health data to promote flock health
• Train flock advisors on disease diagnosis/necropsy techniques
• Assist with overseeing the USDA-PVP programs
• Oversee Poultry Welfare program; Assist with internal and third-party audits
• Assist with design and coordination of live side food safety programs
• Design vaccination programs for breeders, hatchery, and meat birds
• Coordinate vaccine production with animal health companies
• Make routine visits to observe breeder vaccination
• Troubleshoot condemnation/DOA issues with spent fowl
• Make routine and sick flock visits to breeder operations as needed
• Make routine and troubleshooting visits to broiler hatcheries; advise on chick quality and sanitation issues
• Lead emergency disease response activities and grower communications on health issues
• Participate in state and federal National Poultry Improvement Plan

Minimum Education

• DVM/VMD or equivalent degree from an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine and active veterinary license in good standing in a least one US state. If veterinary degree is from a non-AVMA accredited college of veterinary medicine but veterinary license in at least one US state exists, AVMA-accredited requirement can be waived.
• Must be able to obtain veterinary licenses for the states of NC, VA, WV, and AL and USDA-APHIS Accreditation for those states.
• Must be able to attend poultry Continuing Education meetings to maintain licenses.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in the practice of poultry medicine in a live production setting or completion of a post-doctorate poultry training program.
• Must have strong computer skills with standard business software.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate vehicle for company travel.
• Occasionally air travel will be required to support other regions across the United States.
• Position is based in North Carolina with additional travel to PA, WV, VA, KY, GA, AL, FL facilities. Work hours are variable and after-hours work may be required. Approximately 75% travel is expected
• Position is on call 7 days a week/24 hours per day
• Weekend farm visits as needed
• Must be able work outdoors, in farm environments and processing plants
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be willing to take yearly Influenza vaccine and pass respiratory physical

Experience Preferred

• 10+ years is highly preferred in practice of poultry medicine in a live production setting.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Primary work location: Corporate Office, Salisbury, MD
• Work hours are variable and after-hours work may be required
• Position is on call 7 days a week/24 hours per day
• Weekend farm visits as needed
• Some lifting up to 50 pounds (moving equipment as needed)
• Must be able to work outdoors, in farm environments and processing plants
  • Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
  • May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degree to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
  • May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
  • May be exposed to all chemicals found in poultry, food and processing plant.
  • Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.