September Update

Nova-Tech & Headstart Partnership

Over the past several months, Nova-Tech Engineering and Nova-Tech Poultry have been proud to collaborate closely with HeadStart Hatching to ensure their success by delivering top-tier poultry health and welfare solutions. This partnership marks our largest installation of the MPSP Nutrient Delivery Station System to date, demonstrating the strength of our relationship and shared commitment to excellence.

More than just a project, this collaboration is a reflection of our mutual dedication to providing the best care for day-of-hatch poults. As the preferred treatment provider, we take great pride in supporting their health from day one.

The expertise, passion, and commitment of our cross-functional teams have been integral to this achievement. We look forward to continuing our work with HeadStart Hatching and making a lasting impact in the poultry industry, one hatchling at a time.

Select Genetics Happenings

Raeford Division 3rd Quarter Management Meeting

The Raeford Breeder Division held its 3rd quarter Farm Manager’s meeting on August 22.  Kevin Reeves (Division Manager) shared with the group the results of the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey and talked about farm labor and egg cost.  Jennifer Borden (Raeford Sr. HR Generalist) talked to the managers about proper procedures for dealing with HR matters on the farm level.  Dr. Molly Parker (Division Veterinarian) spoke with the group about metapneumovirus and avian influenza.  She talked about the increased incidence of metapneumovirus in our area and what the managers should look for in their flocks.  She also spoke about our vaccination program, why we use the vaccines that we do and the importance of vaccines to the health of our flocks and the poults we produce.  Bryon Jackson (Service Tech) asked the managers to break up into small groups and he led discussions on broody control, farm management and biosecurity.  He also demonstrated proper lab sampling techniques such as tracheal swab, choanal cleft swab, boot environmental swabs, etc.).

Raeford Division Farm Maintenance and Driver Safety Luncheon

The Raeford Division Farm Maintenance and Transportation group got together on August 28 for their annual safety luncheon.  Kevin Reeves (Division Manager) and Brian Bundy (Raeford Driver Manager) met with the drivers and maintenance team to discuss safety concerns and talk about the importance of being aware of your surroundings and always following proper safety and transportation protocols.  There was also a discussion about equipment needs and proper maintenance of farm equipment and vehicles.

Missouri Division | Stompin’ Out Hunger 5K Color Run

Team members from the Select Genetics | Missouri Division participated in the 10th Annual Stompin’ Out Hunger 5K Color Run on September 7th.  The event is a fundraiser for the Harvest Food Pantry in Aurora, MO.  It is the only fundraiser the Harvest Food Pantry holds and it raises approximately 60% of the pantry’s annual budget.  Team members pictured below are (left-right): Sonia Valenciano, Adriana Lopez, Betsy Lee, Fred Lee, and Chad Clifford

ORBIE Award

Congratulations to Linda Lovold, LSI IT Director, on being named a finalist for the 2024 Minnesota ORBIE Awards in the Large Corporate category!  The award is presented by the Minnesota CIO Leadership Association.  This year they received over 160 nominations.  Linda was nominated by FortiNet, the vendor LSI is partnering with on the cybersecurity and network security initiatives, for the hard work she and the IT Operations team put into the network security project.  Winners will be announced on September 20th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis.

Spotlight on Benefits

MMA Savers Spotlight

Election years can be overwhelming.  With the non-stop news cycle, constant fear mongering and doom-and-gloom messaging, it’s easy to get disheartened.  And as a retirement saver, what does this all mean for the markets?  Fortunately, we have the lessons of history we can use to try and put things in perspective.

Our Retirement Plan Advisors at Marsh McLennan Agency have created a short video that looks back at prior election years and how they have impacted the financial markets over the short and long term.  You can review this video at your convenience by visiting the Plan Resource Center.  The video is located under the “MMA Savers Spotlight” section at the top right of the page.

One-on-One Sessions Now Available

Empower now offers employees the ability to schedule a virtual one-on-one session with a Retirement Plan Advisor!  Scheduling a review with an Empower representative is a great way to help address immediate financial distractions and see if you’re on a path to reach your long-term goals.  When you meet with an Empower representative, you’ll have an individualized account review and have the opportunity to:

  • Evaluate your readiness for a successful retirement
  • Review your savings and investment strategy
  • Discuss rolling over outside retirement assets.
  • Learn more about the valuable tools and resources available through Empower

To schedule an appointment simply go to:  empower1x1.empowermytime.com.  For more information on this new benefit check out this flyer from Empower:  One-on-One Review with Empower.

Rosie Award

The LSI and Affiliates Health Insurance Plan was recognized at RosettaFest last week with a Rosie Award!  The Rosie recognizes high-value, low-cost health plans from employers an unions across the United States.  This achievement was through the hard work of our benefits team and Conner Insurance, our broker.  Congratulations on this significant achievement!

Years of Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following team members who are celebrating Years of Service milestones in the month of September!

5 YEARS

Emily Field | Nova-Tech Engineering

Benjamin Sedesky | Nova-Tech Engineering

Victoria Mann | Nova-Tech Engineering

Juan Mondragon | Select Genetics

Dionicio Oropeza Gallardo | Select Genetics

Miguel Sandoval Garcia | Select Genetics

Matthew Heath | Select Genetics

Ignacio Campos Arreola Jr. | Select Genetics

Marcelino Larios Gomez | Select Genetics

Joshua Chambers | Select Genetics

Pah Yoe | Select Genetics

Radames Rosario Rodriguez | Select Genetics

Christopher Cook | Select Genetics

Ahh Pue | Select Genetics

Randal Sanow | Turkey Valley Farms

10 YEARS

Saw Raw | Select Genetics

50 YEARS

Peggy Puffenbarger | Select Genetics

Openings

Current status of all organizational openings.
PositionCompanyPhaseCurrent StatusContact
Maintenance Supervisor

Apply Online
Headstart HatchingOpen
Headstart Hatching is seeking a diligent and reliable individual to join our team as a Maintenance Supervisor! The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all routine maintenance of the Hatchery including controlling systems and/or robotic equipment, and providing support for the maintenance function in the Hatchery. The Maintenance Supervisor will manage a team of Maintenance Technicians and will be responsible for ensuring they are properly trained and equipped to carry out their duties. They need to be an active leader for the team with constant involvement, using critical thinking, logic and reasoning to identify the problems or weaknesses in mechanical issues that arise. Maintenance finds alternative mechanical solutions, through proactive and creative approaches, with the ability to direct and instruct other workers in basic repair work and maintenance with positive leadership. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Management:
  • Manage a team of Maintenance Technicians, assigning task and responsibilities as needed and ensuring that all team members are properly trained and equipped to carry out their duties.
  • Training in new Maintenance Technicians and ensuring that all team members are following established protocols.
  • Overseeing all routine maintenance of the Hatchery including controlling systems and/or robotic equipment, and providing support for the maintenance function in the Hatchery.
Maintenance Services:
  • Assists with the general building, maintaining, and repairing of the facility including but not limited to:
    • HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security and fire alarm systems
    • Exterior buildings
    • Cleaning, sanitizing and repairing restrooms and other facilities
    • Emptying and cleaning trash receptacles
    • Floor maintenance
    • Painting and pressure washing facilities
  • Operates and maintains vehicles, equipment and buildings including:
    • Equipment
    • Lawn mowers
    • Power tools
    • Vehicles
    • Small tractors (e.g. forklift)
    • Other maintenance equipment
  • Responds to major project maintenance work orders and daily work orders/assignments related to common areas, buildings and other facility maintenance.
  • Completes special projects, often with short deadlines, as assigned.
  • Aid contractors on construction/installation of various incubator and hatcher equipment along with other miscellaneous hatchery equipment.
  • Conducts frequent checks around the hatchery, monitoring the hatchers and incubators and the temperatures and pressures in the hallways.
  • Addresses any issue that arises, and prioritizes repairs when necessary.
  • Follows all of the company’s rules and regulations for bio security, animal welfare and safety.
  • Demonstrates organization and prioritizes responsibilities that need attention around the hatchery to ensure efficient operations at the hatchery.
  • Demonstrates high knowledge about the machinery at the hatchery and the ways to fix all issues that occur and assists where needed in the hatchery.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work with a variety of tools and equipment including automation and technical machinery.
  • Complete other duties as assigned by Hatchery Manager.
Administrative Support:
  • Receives, stores and issues equipment, material, merchandise, tools and supplies.  May order materials and supplies with prior approval from management.
  • Drives vehicles for pick-up and delivery services.
  • Locks and unlocks of buildings on a daily basis.
  • Records and maintains maintenance logs.
  • Responds to incidental situations after hours and provides on call maintenance coverage on weekends as part of a regular staff rotation.
  • Ensures that all maintenance practices and services comply with state guidelines (e.g. Building standards, EPA, etc.).
  • Direct supervision of other maintenance staff
Safety:
  • Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by following established standards, procedures and addressing maintenance needs.
  • Conducts routine on-site safety checks and maintains work areas, equipment and surrounding grounds to prevent the existence of unsafe conditions.
  • Conducts preventive maintenance on all maintenance equipment and tools.
  • Follow all company regulations pertaining to bio security, animal welfare and safety.
The ideal candidate will have the following educational and experience background:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair field.
  • Valid Driver’s License.
  • Certifications or Licensures in the following areas preferred:
    • Air conditioning, heating and ventilation (HVAC)
    • Class B Boilers License
    • Plumbing
  • Basic carpentry and construction skills.
  • Understand occupational hazards and utilize standard safety procedures.
  • Basic carpentry and construction skills.
  • Good problem-solving and time management skills.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team of workers at different levels.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.
Who We Are: Headstart Hatching is the first turkey hatchery in the world to hatch commercial poults with immediate access to feed and water from the moment the hatchling leaves the egg and throughout their stay from hatch to the farm. This industry-changing technology will eventually be shared with the world, but first we’re going to put it to good use for our region’s benefit. Located in Willmar, MN, we are part of a family of companies that have made this place our home for over 75 years, and Headstart Hatching is the next (and not last) company we’ve committed to build here. Benefits at Headstart Hatching: We are proud to offer a generous benefit package in addition to competitive compensation. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a Health Savings Account with company match, 401K plan with company match up to 4% of your compensation, PTO accrual, two personal days per year, holiday pay, company paid short and long term disability, and company paid life insurance. Apply Online or to Further Inquire, Contact: Rachel Weiss | Talent Acquisition Specialist Rachel.Weiss@life-scienceinnovations.com 320-222-9790
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Rachel
Maintenance Technician

Apply Online
Headstart HatchingOpen
Headstart Hatching is seeking a diligent and dependable individual to join our team as a Maintenance Technician Maintenance is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of all hatchery equipment and facilities. Must have comprehensive knowledge of the functioning of incubation and hatching equipment, as well as hatch pull and servicing equipment. Fully understand all hatchery processes, with emphasis on factors affecting hatchability, poult quality and poult cost. Maintenance uses critical thinking for identifying and solving mechanical problems negatively affecting hatchery processes. Maintenance finds alternative mechanical solutions, through proactive and creative approaches, with the ability to direct and instruct other workers in basic repair work and maintenance. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Maintenance Services:
  • Perform routine maintenance and repairs on hatchery equipment including incubators, hatchers, ventilation systems, automation equipment, and water supply systems.
  • Conduct preventive maintenance tasks to minimize downtime and ensure efficient hatchery operations.
  • Responsible for all routine maintenance of the Hatchery including controlling systems and/or robotic equipment.
  • Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions promptly.
  • Monitor and maintain environmental controls to provide optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation for maximal hatchability and poult quality.
  • Prepare incubators/hatchers for setting/transferring new eggs.
  • Set eggs in the incubators and make sure adequate profiles are in place.
  • Maintain inventory of spare parts and equipment, ensuring adequate supplies are available for maintenance and repairs.
  • Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for maintenance personnel and other hatchery employees.
  • Collaborate with hatchery management and other team members to optimize hatchery performance and productivity.
  • Document maintenance activities, equipment performance, and repairs for record-keeping and analysis purposes.
  • Conducts routine on-site safety checks and maintains work areas, equipment, and surrounding grounds to prevent the existence of unsafe conditions.
  • Follow all company regulations pertaining to bio security, animal welfare and safety.
  • Participate in training programs to enhance technical skills and stay updated on industry best practices.
The ideal candidate will have the following educational and experience background:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair field.
  • Technical Certifications (Boiler license, advance in vocational training in mechanical field) required
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English- preferred.
  • Valid Driver’s License
Schedule:
  • Core business hours: 48-hour work weeks 6AM-6PM
  • Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Who We Are: Headstart Hatching is the first turkey hatchery in the world to hatch commercial poults with immediate access to feed and water from the moment the hatchling leaves the egg and throughout their stay from hatch to the farm. This industry-changing technology will eventually be shared with the world, but first we are going to put it to good use for our region’s benefit. Located in Willmar, MN, we are part of a family of companies that have made this place our home for over 75 years, and Headstart Hatching is the next (and not last) company we have committed to build here. Benefits at Headstart Hatching: We are proud to offer a generous benefit package in addition to competitive compensation. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a Health Savings Account with company match, 401K plan with company match up to 4% of your compensation, PTO accrual, two personal days per year, holiday pay, company paid short- and long-term disability, and company paid life insurance. Apply Online or to Further Inquire, Contact: Rachel Weiss | Talent Acquisition Specialist Rachel.Weiss@life-scienceinnovations.com 320-222-9790
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Rachel
CDL Driver | Terre Haute, IN

Apply Online
Select GeneticsOpen
This position is responsible for transporting day old poults in a timely and safe manner. Select Genetics, presents a solid platform to serve customers on a national and international scale by providing quality poults, service, and innovation. Select Genetics is the leading supplier of poults and eggs to growers and companies across the world and has operations in eight US States. The position reports to and is supervised by the On-Site Transportation Manager. Benefits:
  • Sign-on bonus $2500 to $5,000, dependent on experience.
  • Competitive annual compensation.
  • Health, dental, and vision.
  • Company paid life insurance and short/long disability.
  • 401k up to 4% Match & HSA with up to $500 match.
Requirements:
  • Must have a valid CDL Class A.
  • Must have experience as a commercial driver.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen
  • Must be at least 21 (cross-state line).
  • Willing to work in teams.
  • Most runs are NOT local. 
Class A CDL Driver responsibilities include but not limited to: transporting day-old poults. Within this process will be the expectation of consistent cleanliness, animal welfare standards and bio-security policies being upheld. Class A CDL Driver carries out all directives in accordance with the Company’s policies and applicable laws. All Company information will be handled with complete confidentiality.
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Vanessa
Veterinary Lab Technician | Willmar, MN

Apply Online
Select GeneticsOpen
Full-time Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Willmar, MN) The Select Genetics Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Willmar, MN location) is seeking a full-time laboratory technician. In this position, you will work with veterinarians, other laboratory professionals, turkey growers, and other individuals from the industry. This position would involve assisting in necropsies, setting up and reading cultures and sensitivities, running ELISA serology, PCR testing, salmonella enrichment and isolation procedures, preparing media, preparing testing supplies, prepping samples, reporting results, sample collection, assisting in trials, and other daily tasks. > Works with a team of Lab. Technicians. > Coordinates testing supplies & Samples > Completes tests > Documents testing results Suitable candidates for this position would be organized, have excellent communication and time management skills, be detail-oriented, and be familiar with anatomical terminology and basic poultry anatomy/physiology. We will consider all qualified individuals for the position, but previous experience/education in animal agriculture, veterinary/laboratory technology, or poultry is desired, but not required.
Read More
Lyle

Welcome New Employees

Farm Service Elevator
Logan Alvarado
General Labor
Hunter Skindelien
Scale Operator
LSI
Samantha Beckman
Director Human Resources
Nova-Tech Engineering
Daniel Sunderman
Firmware Developer
Select Genetics
Elizabeth Solis Carbajal
Goldsboro Back Crew
Alan Shearin
Goldsboro Back Crew
Breesly Belzy
Jugelhomme Saint Bair
Sebastien Desir
Jean Desrosiers
Stanley Tibaut
Daniel Moore
Floriselda Velasquez Ortiz
Goldsboro Back Crew
Isamar Ponce-Ponce
Goldsboro Office Administration
Francisco Colmenarez
Harrisonburg Back Crew
Morelia Cruz
IL Egg Picker
Kenneth Nazario Gonzalez
Ishan Martinez Collet
IL Egg Picker
Christopher Villa
IL Farm Manager
Onelys Hernandez Lopez
MN Catcher
Juan Del Cruz
MN Egg Picker
Maira Olson
MN Transportation Specialist
Sun Pyui
MN Vacc Crew
Bryan Thigpen
MO Farm Maint
Eric Reyes Gutierrez
MO Farm MGR Traine
Juan Ordaz Rodriguez
MO General Labor
Jose Nunez Flores
Joan Rendon
MO Milker
Candice Cosper
MO Semen Driver
Rico Kelly
NC Catcher/Chaser
Ozzyris Picado Santamaria
NC Egg Picker
Ricardo Toussaint
NC Egg Picker
Jason Rhody
Caesar Davis
Jean Michel
David Seneque
Gustavo Ramos Sanchez
James Smith
Carter Molchan
Randy Whitaker
NC Egg Picker
Deshaun Lanier
Laquavian Harris
NC General Labor
Renee Kifer
NC Tom Lab
Eugene Chavis
NC Vacc
Michael Wallace
Osceola CDL Poult Driver
Gretchen Schofield
Terre Haute Egg Room
Turkey Valley Farms
Shawn Reynolds
Driver
Edeberto Martinez
HR Assistant
Lourdes Aldana Hernandez
Ricardo Alba
Tee Moo
Htee Moo
Mohamed Dumey
Aaron Robledo
Martin Soto Tolentino
Tevin Cordova
Chase Christensen
Pah Deet
July Htoo
Elmer Hidalgo Rodriguez
Lineworker
Law Soe
QA/QC Technician

Employee Count

As of 9/18/24 we have 2,222 employees


Human Resources is a 360 degree business partner with our family of affiliates to attract, engage, retain and develop our most valuable resource: our people.  We are located on the first floor of Life-Science Innovations on the MinnWest campus at 1800 Technology Drive. We look forward to working with you!

Please message us via email at human.resources@life-scienceinnovations.com or give us a call at

320.222.9750 and select Human Resources, option 1