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 teamsParticipate in Breeder Production and Flock Advisor meetings as neededParticipate and advise in Breeder production management decisions as neededDesign and lead biosecurity and preventive medicine programsCoordinate diagnostic testing and interpretation of lab resultsDiagnose and coordinate treatment plans for sick flocksPerform necropsies, pathology, bacteriology, virologyVisit farms as needed (routine and sick flock visits) and advise growers on management issues that impact flock healthWrite prescriptions/maintain diagnostic lab recordsEvaluate potential vaccines/products/interventions to promote flock healthAnalyze farm, processing, and health data to promote flock healthTrain flock advisors on disease diagnosis/necropsy techniquesAssist with overseeing the USDA-PVP programsOversee Poultry Welfare program; Assist with internal and third-party auditsAssist with design and coordination of live side food safety programsDesign vaccination programs for breeders, hatchery, and meat birdsCoordinate vaccine production with animal health companiesMake routine visits to observe breeder vaccinationTroubleshoot condemnation/DOA issues with spent fowlMake routine and sick flock visits to breeder operations as neededMake routine and troubleshooting visits to broiler hatcheries; advise on chick quality and sanitation issuesLead emergency disease response activities and grower communications on health issuesParticipate in state and federal National Poultry Improvement PlanMinimum 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 expectedPosition is on call 7 days a week/24 hours per dayWeekend farm visits as neededMust be able work outdoors, in farm environments and processing plantsMust be able to lift 50 poundsMust be willing to take yearly Influenza vaccine and pass respiratory physicalExperience 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, MDWork hours are variable and after-hours work may be requiredPosition is on call 7 days a week/24 hours per dayWeekend farm visits as neededSome lifting up to 50 pounds (moving equipment as needed)Must be able to work outdoors, in farm environments and processing plantsExposure 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 CompanyPerdue 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.