Poultry Breeder CV Guide: Land Your Next Agricultural Role
Also known as: chicken breeder, poultry specialist, poultry rearer, hatchery manager
A strong Poultry Breeder CV must demonstrate more than just a love for animals. Hiring managers at large scale agricultural operations and specialised breeding facilities look for a combination of biological expertise, technical proficiency with breeding software, and a deep commitment to animal welfare standards. Your CV should highlight your ability to manage high volume production while maintaining strict biosecurity protocols.
This guide will walk you through building a Poultry Breeder CV that stands out in the agricultural sector. We will cover how to quantify your successes in hatch rate improvements and disease prevention to prove your value to potential employers.
What does a Poultry Breeder do?
Poultry Breeders are specialised agricultural professionals responsible for the selection and mating of birds to produce offspring with specific desirable traits. Their work is a blend of traditional animal husbandry and modern data science. They monitor the health of the flock daily, ensuring that environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and air quality are optimal for growth and egg production.
Beyond raw production, these specialists are the first line of defence in biosecurity. They implement rigorous sanitation schedules and vaccination programmes to prevent the spread of avian diseases. They also maintain meticulous records of lineage, growth rates, and feed conversion ratios to refine breeding programmes over multiple generations.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Selecting parent stock based on genetic performance and physical characteristics.
- ➜ Monitoring and adjusting incubator and brooder environmental controls.
- ➜ Implementing strict biosecurity and sanitation protocols to maintain flock health.
- ➜ Analysing production data to improve hatchability and feed conversion rates.
- ➜ Performing artificial insemination and managing natural mating programmes.
- ➜ Coordinating with veterinarians for vaccinations and health screenings.
How to write a Poultry Breeder CV
Focus your CV on measurable outcomes such as survival rates and genetic progress. Modern agriculture relies on data, so your CV should reflect your ability to interpret metrics and use them to drive operational efficiency.
01 CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format to showcase your most recent experience first. Your CV should include a professional summary, core technical skills, a detailed work history, and your educational background. Clear section headings and bullet points are necessary to make the document easily scannable for recruiters.
02 Professional Summary
The summary should be a punchy paragraph that highlights your years of experience, your specific area of expertise (e.g. broilers, layers, or turkeys), and one or two major career achievements.
Example Summary
Dedicated Poultry Breeder with over 12 years of experience managing large-scale broiler operations in the UK. Proven track record in improving hatch rates by 15% through optimised incubation protocols and genetic selection. Expert in Defra biosecurity standards and automated climate control systems.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Increased average hatchability from 82% to 94% through the implementation of a new humidity control system.
- ➜ Reduced flock mortality by 25% over a two-year period by refining vaccination schedules and biosecurity entry protocols.
- ➜ Managed a breeding budget of £1.2 million, consistently delivering 5% under-budget through smarter feed procurement.
- ➜ Led a team of 15 farm hands to achieve a zero-deficiency rating during a three-day Red Tractor inspection.
Experience Guidelines
When listing your work history, emphasise results over tasks. Instead of saying you 'fed the chickens', explain how your nutritional management improved the flock's growth rate or egg quality.
Education Guidelines
List your degrees in animal science, agriculture, or biology. Include any relevant coursework such as genetics, nutrition, or farm management, as well as level 3 diplomas in land-based studies.
Key skills for a Poultry Breeder
Technical Breeding Skills
Animal Welfare & Health
Operational Management
Poultry Breeder CV Example
This example showcases a senior professional with a strong background in both hands-on husbandry and high-level data analysis.
Notes for adapting this example:
Note how the candidate uses specific percentages and numbers to validate their expertise. Adapt these metrics to reflect your own achievements in your specific poultry niche.
Expert Tips for Your CV
Mention the specific breeds you have worked with, such as Cobb 500 or Ross 308.
Include experience with specific farm management software common in the UK market like MTech Systems.
Highlight your knowledge of Red Tractor or Defra regulations to show you are ready for compliance audits.
Keep technical jargon balanced so that both farm managers and HR recruiters understand your impact.
Common Poultry Breeder CV Mistakes
Focusing only on manual labour rather than management and technical skills.
Failing to mention specific biosecurity knowledge, which is a top priority for UK farms.
Omitting software proficiency in a field that is becoming increasingly data-driven.
Neglecting to mention Defra or Red Tractor regulatory experience.
Broadly stating 'animal care' without providing specific success metrics for flock health.
FAQ about Poultry Breeder CVs
What is the typical salary for a Poultry Breeder in the UK?
The annual salary for a Poultry Breeder typically ranges from £30,000 to £55,000 yearly. Senior managers at large production facilities or those with advanced genetic expertise can earn significantly more depending on the region and operation size. (Source: Estimated market data)
Do I need a degree to be a Poultry Breeder in the UK?
While entry-level positions may accept a Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture with experience, most breeder or management roles require a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or a related field. Professional certifications such as those from City & Guilds can also improve your marketability.
Which technical skills are most important for this role?
Employers prioritise knowledge of biosecurity, genetics, and automated climate control systems. Demonstrating that you can use data to improve hatch rates or feed conversion is also essential for career advancement.
Related Guides
Vitae.
Build a Poultry Breeder CV that gets callbacks
Use the guide for structure, then tailor your CV per job so recruiters see relevance fast.
Start freeLast updated: 12/21/2025