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Hatchery Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Summary Take the next step in your leadership journey as an Assistant Hatchery Manager, where you'll play a vital role in supporting live production and ensuring hatchery operations run at peak ...

Posted today

Assistant Hatchery Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Description Assistant Manager- Cedar Hatchery (Shifts Varies) Pay Range $89,750 to $112,175 per year Company Description Foster Farms has been serving families since 1939. Since the founding days ...

Assistant Hatchery Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Assistant Manager- Cedar Hatchery (Shifts Varies) Pay Range $89,750 to $112,175 per year Company Description Foster Farms has been serving families since 1939. Since the founding days, Foster Farms ...

Site Safety Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Hatch is seeking a Site Health and Safety Manager in Kern County, California. If you are looking ... * Assist in defining health and safety leading and lagging indicator targets and reviews are ...

Site Safety Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Hatch is seeking a Site Health and Safety Manager in Kern County, California. If you are looking ... * Assist in defining health and safety leading and lagging indicator targets and reviews are ...

Site Safety Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Hatch is seeking a Site Health and Safety Manager in Kern County, California. If you are looking ... * Assist in defining health and safety leading and lagging indicator targets and reviews are ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$175 - $200/hr

Long Beach, CA, United States Hatch is seeking a Lead Civil Engineer in Long Beach, CA. The Lead ... As the successful candidate, you will: * Assist the Engineering Manager with the delivery of ...

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Hatchery Assistant information

See California salary details

$8

$18

$34

How much do hatchery assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for hatchery assistant in California is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.71 and $20.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hatchery assistant?

Hatchery Assistants are entry-level workers who help with the daily operations of hatcheries, where fish, poultry, or other animals are bred and raised in controlled environments. Their duties often include monitoring eggs, cleaning equipment and tanks, feeding animals, recording data, and assisting with the health and welfare of the stock. They play a crucial role in ensuring young animals are properly cared for and that hatchery production runs smoothly. This job typically requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and a willingness to work in sometimes wet or noisy conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hatchery assistant?

To thrive as a Hatchery Assistant, you need basic knowledge of fish or poultry biology, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated feeding systems, temperature control equipment, and data recording tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and good communication skills are important soft skills that help with daily operations and problem-solving. These abilities ensure efficient hatchery operations, healthy stock management, and compliance with safety and quality standards.

What are some typical challenges a hatchery assistant might face during the busy spawning season?

During spawning season, Hatchery Assistants often encounter increased workloads and tight timelines, which require strong time management and attention to detail. Managing the delicate care of eggs and fry, monitoring water quality, and quickly identifying any signs of disease or stress in the fish can be demanding. Effective communication with team members is critical to ensure smooth operations, as tasks are frequently coordinated and interdependent. Staying organized and being adaptable are key to successfully navigating these seasonal challenges.

How much does a hatchery assistant make?

The average hatchery assistant salary typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Some roles may also offer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Is working at a hatchery hard?

Hatchery assistants typically perform tasks such as sorting eggs, maintaining incubation equipment, and monitoring hatchlings, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. The job often involves working in a controlled environment and following safety protocols, but the difficulty varies based on experience and specific duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hatchery jobs in California?

The most popular types of Hatchery jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Hatchery Assistant jobs in California?

For Hatchery Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hatchery Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hatchery Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hatchery Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hatchery Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Hatchery Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,887 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Assistant Hatchery Manager

Perdue Farms

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$68K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 hours ago

Posted today


Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

311th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

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

Take the next step in your leadership journey as an Assistant Hatchery Manager, where you’ll play a vital role in supporting live production and ensuring hatchery operations run at peak performance. In this role, you’ll help guide day-to-day operations while applying your knowledge of incubation, equipment, sanitation, and regulatory compliance to deliver consistent, high-quality results. You’ll work closely with teams on the floor, providing leadership, coaching, and direction to build a safe, efficient, and well-run operation that supports the broader success of the organization.

The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $102,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Directly responsible for the supervision and safety of all associates that work in the hatchery, as well as setting up and enforcing safety programs, committees, and instructing associates on all local, state, federal, and Company safety programs.
  • Responsible for the maintenance of the building and all equipment.
  • Maintain inventories, equipment, parts, and supplies as needed for operations.
  • Responsible for Quality and Production requirements.
  • Initiate programs to accomplish the best possible hatchability with a healthy chick. 
  • Set goals to accomplish competitive CPMH in all departments. 
  • Participate in QIP.
  • Responsible for all government required reporting such as Community Right to Know, EPA, and all State and Federal requirements.
  • Responsible for assisting in meeting the set budget of the hatchery. 
  • Assist in setting goals in all cost areas to stay competitive with other hatcheries.
  • Be able to perform all jobs within the hatchery in times of absenteeism of staff.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • High School diploma.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience.
  • Must have strong reading, writing, analytical and communications skills.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Bachelors degree in Agriculture or related field.
  • Management, hatchery and/or poultry experience preferred.

 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

  • Exposed to temperatures ranging from 60 degrees to 105 degrees and 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 communication training.
  • Must use protective equipment as required.
  • Must be able to travel throughout the operation.

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.


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