Hatchery Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Hatchery Manager positions frequently qualify for H-1B 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.
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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
Join our team as a Hatchery Manager and lead the operations that support strong, reliable live production. In this role, you will provide direction and oversight for hatchery activities, ensuring consistent performance, quality, and efficiency while meeting breeder and live production needs. You’ll work closely with your team to drive operational excellence, support animal welfare, and deliver results that keep our live operations running at their best.
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Directly responsible for the supervision and safety of all associates that work in the hatchery.
- Sets up and enforces safety programs and committees to instruct associates on all local, state, federal and company safety programs.
- Responsible for the maintenance and inventories of the building and all equipment, maintain inventories, equipment, parts and supplies as needed for operation.
- Coordinates all eggs required for all breeder placements and ensures no shortages occur.
- Responsible for quality and production requirements, initiates programs, to accomplish the best possible hatchability.
- Determines goal setting to accomplish competitive CPMH (chicks per man hour) in all departments.
- Participates in QIP (Quality Improvement Plan).
- Responsible for all government required reporting such as community right to know, EPA and all state and federal requirements.
- Responsible for total operating costs of the hatchery.
- Must set goals in all costs areas to stay competitive with other hatcheries.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Prior management experience.
- Reading, writing and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of, but not limited to incubation, mechanical, management skills, government regulations and sanitation.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Exposed to temperatures ranging from 60 - 105 degrees; humidity up to 100%.
- Work in a wet, damp, dusty (chick down) environment.
- Exposed to chemicals, drugs and vaccines to be covered in MSDS training and hazardous communications.
- Must use personal protective equipment as required.
- Must be able to travel throughout the hatcheries, facilities and operations.
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
Join our team as a Hatchery Manager and lead the operations that support strong, reliable live production. In this role, you will provide direction and oversight for hatchery activities, ensuring consistent performance, quality, and efficiency while meeting breeder and live production needs. You’ll work closely with your team to drive operational excellence, support animal welfare, and deliver results that keep our live operations running at their best.
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Directly responsible for the supervision and safety of all associates that work in the hatchery.
- Sets up and enforces safety programs and committees to instruct associates on all local, state, federal and company safety programs.
- Responsible for the maintenance and inventories of the building and all equipment, maintain inventories, equipment, parts and supplies as needed for operation.
- Coordinates all eggs required for all breeder placements and ensures no shortages occur.
- Responsible for quality and production requirements, initiates programs, to accomplish the best possible hatchability.
- Determines goal setting to accomplish competitive CPMH (chicks per man hour) in all departments.
- Participates in QIP (Quality Improvement Plan).
- Responsible for all government required reporting such as community right to know, EPA and all state and federal requirements.
- Responsible for total operating costs of the hatchery.
- Must set goals in all costs areas to stay competitive with other hatcheries.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Prior management experience.
- Reading, writing and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of, but not limited to incubation, mechanical, management skills, government regulations and sanitation.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Exposed to temperatures ranging from 60 - 105 degrees; humidity up to 100%.
- Work in a wet, damp, dusty (chick down) environment.
- Exposed to chemicals, drugs and vaccines to be covered in MSDS training and hazardous communications.
- Must use personal protective equipment as required.
- Must be able to travel throughout the hatcheries, facilities and operations.
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.
How to Get 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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