Hatchery Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Hatchery Manager positions frequently qualify for H-1B visa and EB-2 sponsorship due to specialized aquaculture knowledge requirements. Most roles require a bachelor's degree in marine biology, fisheries science, or related field. Large commercial aquaculture operations and government research facilities commonly sponsor international candidates for these specialized management positions. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Hatchery Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 4,026+ Hatchery Manager jobs
See all 4,026+ Hatchery Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Hatchery Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, 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
As a Hatchery Production Associate, you play a key role in creating the optimal environment where healthy, high-quality chicks begin their journey. This hands-on position supports a variety of essential hatchery activities that ensure proper incubation, hatching, and care, all while maintaining precise environmental conditions. Your work directly contributes to delivering a superior product to Perdue Farms growers and helps to uphold the high standards of quality, care, and excellence that define our operations.
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Correctly receive, set, and transfer approximately 991,440 eggs per week, ensuring minimum damage while maximizing hatchability.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize entire hatchery, which may include 68 hatchers and setters, 37 evaporative coolers, 14 heaters and associated duct work, reducing to the greatest extent possible the presence of mold and bacteria.
- Properly and efficiently operate tray wash and/or separator machines, ensuring maximum throughput with minimum product damage.
- Safely transport and process approximately 250,000 chicks daily, ensuring accurate chick distribution and proper chick quality control.
- Perform all duties as requested by management in a timely and efficient manner, in accordance with hatchery and company standard operating procedures, while fostering team spirit and morale.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school or equivalent.
- Reading and writing skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Moving in an upright position and working on wet, dry, and often slippery concrete floors for up to 4 hours in a single interval.
- Must be able to lift overhead and control 35 lbs to a height of approximately 84 inches.
- Exposure to temperatures from <32° to 101.25° with both ambient and 100% humidity.
- Extended exposure to temperatures from 99° to 101° with 82% humidity for periods up to 2 hours in a single interval.
- Exposure to noise ranges of <50db to >110db and light intensity range of <50-to-75–100-foot candles.
- Bending, twisting, and lifting, while grasping containers weighing up to 35 lbs, at intervals up to 10 times per minute, at maximum forward angles of 30-60°. Squatting, lifting and carrying weights of up to 35 lbs while walking distances of 10 – 20 feet.
- Exposure to chlorinated water <50ppm, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, poultry vaccines, and other chemicals as listed in hatchery MSDS.
- Must wear and/or use personal protective equipment/devices in accordance with SOPs and company directives.
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.
INTRODUCTION
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, 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
As a Hatchery Production Associate, you play a key role in creating the optimal environment where healthy, high-quality chicks begin their journey. This hands-on position supports a variety of essential hatchery activities that ensure proper incubation, hatching, and care, all while maintaining precise environmental conditions. Your work directly contributes to delivering a superior product to Perdue Farms growers and helps to uphold the high standards of quality, care, and excellence that define our operations.
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Correctly receive, set, and transfer approximately 991,440 eggs per week, ensuring minimum damage while maximizing hatchability.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize entire hatchery, which may include 68 hatchers and setters, 37 evaporative coolers, 14 heaters and associated duct work, reducing to the greatest extent possible the presence of mold and bacteria.
- Properly and efficiently operate tray wash and/or separator machines, ensuring maximum throughput with minimum product damage.
- Safely transport and process approximately 250,000 chicks daily, ensuring accurate chick distribution and proper chick quality control.
- Perform all duties as requested by management in a timely and efficient manner, in accordance with hatchery and company standard operating procedures, while fostering team spirit and morale.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school or equivalent.
- Reading and writing skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Moving in an upright position and working on wet, dry, and often slippery concrete floors for up to 4 hours in a single interval.
- Must be able to lift overhead and control 35 lbs to a height of approximately 84 inches.
- Exposure to temperatures from <32° to 101.25° with both ambient and 100% humidity.
- Extended exposure to temperatures from 99° to 101° with 82% humidity for periods up to 2 hours in a single interval.
- Exposure to noise ranges of <50db to >110db and light intensity range of <50-to-75–100-foot candles.
- Bending, twisting, and lifting, while grasping containers weighing up to 35 lbs, at intervals up to 10 times per minute, at maximum forward angles of 30-60°. Squatting, lifting and carrying weights of up to 35 lbs while walking distances of 10 – 20 feet.
- Exposure to chlorinated water <50ppm, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, poultry vaccines, and other chemicals as listed in hatchery MSDS.
- Must wear and/or use personal protective equipment/devices in accordance with SOPs and company directives.
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.
See all 4,026+ Hatchery Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Hatchery Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Hatchery Manager
Target aquaculture companies with federal contracts
Government contractors and USDA-affiliated facilities regularly sponsor H-1B visas for specialized aquaculture roles. These employers understand the shortage of qualified hatchery managers and actively recruit internationally.
Emphasize specialized breeding and genetics experience
Experience with selective breeding programs, genetic improvement, or disease management strengthens your H-1B case. These specialized skills demonstrate the specialty occupation nature required for visa approval.
Consider seasonal facilities in Alaska and Pacific Northwest
Salmon hatcheries and shellfish operations in these regions face significant labor shortages. Many facilities sponsor H-1B visas for experienced managers, especially those with cold-water species expertise.
Highlight advanced aquaculture systems knowledge
Experience with recirculating aquaculture systems, water quality management, or automated feeding systems strengthens sponsorship applications. These technical skills justify the specialized degree requirement for H-1B approval.
Research university-affiliated hatchery programs
Academic research facilities often sponsor H-1B and EB-2 visas for managers with research experience. University hatcheries conducting breeding research frequently need specialized international talent for management roles.
Document production optimization achievements
Quantified improvements in survival rates, growth performance, or operational efficiency demonstrate extraordinary ability for EB-1A applications. These achievements can differentiate you from other hatchery management candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is required for H-1B sponsorship as a Hatchery Manager?
Most H-1B petitions for Hatchery Manager positions require a bachelor's degree in marine biology, fisheries science, aquaculture, or related biological science. Some employers accept degrees in biology or zoology with relevant aquaculture experience. The degree must directly relate to hatchery operations and fish production management to satisfy USCIS specialty occupation requirements.
Do Hatchery Manager positions qualify for EB-2 green card sponsorship?
Yes, Hatchery Manager roles typically qualify for EB-2 sponsorship, especially those requiring advanced degrees or exceptional ability in aquaculture. Managers with specialized experience in breeding programs, disease management, or production optimization may qualify for EB-2 National Interest Waiver, potentially bypassing the PERM labor certification requirement for faster processing.
What are H-1B approval rates for Hatchery Manager positions?
Hatchery Manager positions have strong H-1B approval rates when properly documented as specialty occupations requiring biological science degrees. Positions at established aquaculture facilities, research institutions, or government contractors typically see higher approval rates due to clear specialty occupation requirements and legitimate business needs for specialized expertise.
Can international experience in fish farming help with visa sponsorship?
Yes, international aquaculture experience significantly strengthens visa applications. Experience with different species, production systems, or regulatory environments demonstrates specialized knowledge valuable to U.S. operations. Document specific achievements like production increases, disease control successes, or new system implementations to support specialty occupation or extraordinary ability claims.
Do smaller hatchery operations sponsor H-1B visas?
Smaller hatchery operations occasionally sponsor H-1B visas but face challenges with legal costs and USCIS scrutiny regarding legitimate business need. Family-owned or regional facilities may struggle to justify specialized degree requirements. Focus on larger commercial operations, university research facilities, or government-affiliated hatcheries with established sponsorship programs and clear specialty occupation needs.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Hatchery Manager jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Hatchery Manager jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Hatchery Manager jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with employers offering work visas. Focus on aquaculture companies, fish farms, and agricultural corporations that frequently sponsor H-1B, TN visa, or other work visas for specialized roles. These employers often need experienced hatchery professionals and are willing to sponsor qualified international candidates.