Hillandale Farms, founded in 1958, has grown from a small egg resale business into one of the top five egg producers in the United States. We specialize in producing high-quality conventional, cage-free, organic, and specialty eggs, with a strong emphasis on animal welfare, food safety, and sustainability. Our vertically integrated operations allow us to manage every step of the process, from feed production to egg packaging, ensuring full traceability and quality. Hillandale Farms invests in renewable energy, modern housing systems, and responsible farming practices. Our mission is to deliver nutritious eggs while setting a higher standard for ethical and environmentally conscious agriculture.
The Management Trainee program is a comprehensive 12-month rotational learning experience designed to cultivate future leaders in our agricultural operations. This intensive program provides hands-on exposure and in-depth understanding of critical functions across production, processing, logistics, and feed mill operations. Trainees will develop the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage complex agricultural systems and contribute to operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities & Learning Objectives: Throughout the 12-month program, the Management Trainee will rotate through various departments, gaining experience in: Production Operations (Months 1-4): - Position Training: Acquire practical, hands-on experience in farm operations, including direct animal care (caretaker), manure management (running inside and outside), equipment operation (belt walker), general maintenance, and specialized equipment handling (scrapers, egg saver wires, if applicable).
- Computer & Systems Training: Learn to utilize essential software for inventory management (OvoVision), new flock setup, and optimizing feed times and lighting plans (cage vs. cage-free).
- Performance Analysis: Understand key performance indicators (KPIs) such as lbs/dz, Egg/HH, and feed conversion, and learn how various factors influence these metrics and overall production goals (feed, grade A).
- House Management: Master the use of house management computer systems and develop an understanding of how to "put the pieces together" to manage numbers and systems effectively.
Processing Operations (Months 5-8): - Position Training: Gain hands-on experience in various processing roles, including packing, stacking, operating a jack driver, running processing machinery, and fulfilling order runner duties (where applicable).
- Quality & Compliance: Receive in-depth training and understanding of critical quality and safety standards, including SQF (Safe Quality Food), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
- Machine Setup: Learn the intricacies of machine setup, including adjusting packing lanes, crack settings, and weight parameters to ensure product quality and efficiency.
Cooler & Logistics (Months 9-10): - Loading & Safety: Train to safely loading trucks, including proper operation of loading equipment, adherence to jack safety protocols, and efficient load planning.
- Paperwork Management: Learn to prepare, understand, and manage essential logistics documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOLs), load boards, and load sheets.
Feed Mill Operations (Months 11-12): - Operational Understanding: Gain an introductory understanding of the processes, equipment, and management within the feed mill to comprehend the entire supply chain.
Qualifications: - A bachelor's degree in agriculture, operations management, business, or a related field, or equivalent practical ??? experience.
- Demonstrated eagerness to learn and a strong interest in agricultural production and processing.
- Ability to thrive in a hands-on, dynamic, and fast-paced operational environment.
- Basic computer proficiency and the ability to learn specialized software quickly.
- Strong analytical skills for understanding data, metrics, and complex systems.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
- Flexibility to work in various environmental conditions (farm, processing plant, cooler).
- Does not currently have avian species at residence
Work Environment The role requires working in diverse environments, including agricultural farms (with animals and machinery), food processing facilities (fast-paced, machinery, varying temperatures), cooler facilities (cold temperatures), and office settings for computer-based tasks. Physical demands may include lifting, standing for extended periods, and operating machinery.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and may be revised at any time.
