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Hatchery Associate Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Hatchery Associate information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do hatchery associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hatchery associate in Federal Way, WA is $22.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Hatchery Associate, you need knowledge of animal husbandry, basic biology, and experience with handling eggs or live animals, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated incubation systems, water quality testing equipment, and record-keeping software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and good observational skills help you excel in monitoring animal health and maintaining hatchery operations. These skills are vital for ensuring optimal hatch rates, animal welfare, and efficient production in a hatchery environment.

What is a hatchery associate?

Hatchery Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of hatcheries, where fish, poultry, or other animals are bred and raised from eggs. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring incubation equipment, caring for eggs and hatchlings, ensuring proper sanitation, and recording data on production and animal health. They may also help with feeding, grading, and transporting young animals. Hatchery Associates play a crucial role in ensuring the health and productivity of the animals in their care.

What is the difference between Hatchery Associate vs Hatchery Technician?

AspectHatchery AssociateHatchery Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndoor hatchery facilities, handling eggs and young birdsSimilar indoor environment, with more focus on equipment maintenance and monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in poultry and aquaculture industriesUsed interchangeably in poultry hatcheries, often with overlapping duties

The main difference between a Hatchery Associate and a Hatchery Technician lies in their experience and responsibilities. Hatchery Associates typically perform basic tasks under supervision, while Hatchery Technicians may have more technical skills and handle equipment maintenance. Both roles are essential in hatchery operations within the poultry or aquaculture industries.

What are some common challenges faced by hatchery associates, and how can they be successfully managed?

Hatchery Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, ensuring the health of eggs and fry, and adjusting to the fast-paced, physically demanding nature of the work. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, prompt identification of issues like disease or equipment malfunction, and effective communication with team members and supervisors. Building strong routines, staying organized, and being proactive about maintenance and record-keeping help ensure smooth operations and successful hatching outcomes.
What cities near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Hatchery Associate jobs? Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Hatchery Associate job openings:

Research Associate 2 - Shellfish Aquaculture

Louisiana State University

Seatac, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.Job Posting Title:Research Associate 2 - Shellfish AquaculturePosition Type:Other AcademicDepartment:LSUAM ORED - SG - Grand Isle (Elizabeth Robinson (00003207))Work Location:0122 Sea Grant BuildingPay Grade:Other AcademicJob Description:

The Research Associate 2 provides technical support for shellfish aquaculture production, applied research, and restoration activities conducted by Louisiana Sea Grant. The RA will conduct work at Louisiana Sea Grant and the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The position performs a variety of complex hatchery, nursery, laboratory, and field procedures with limited supervision and exercises independent judgment in carrying out established research and production protocols.


Primary responsibilities include the production of oysters, ribbed mussels, and algae cultures for research; operation and maintenance of hatchery and setting nursery systems; microalgae culture and feed production; water quality monitoring; biological sampling; data collection and management; equipment maintenance; and support extension and workforce development programs. The incumbent is expected to independently conduct routine production and research activities, perform quality control assessments, maintain accurate records, and assist with implementation of research projects.


Job Responsibilities:


The research associate will be required to support mussel, oysters, and algae production for research facets, including: collecting, maintaining, and cleaning broodstock, supporting activities in larvae rearing (cleaning larval rearing tanks, sorting larvae and performing larval counts, maintaining algal cultures, cleaning and inoculating tanks, operating various laboratory equipment), collecting samples and processing data, accurately determining counts of oyster seed, assisting in oyster farm & cage maintenance, maintaining aquaculture systems, and other basic laboratory skills (75%).


Occasional travel within Louisiana may be required to support field research, restoration activities, stakeholder engagement, and educational programming (10%).


Research associate will be involved in reading scientific papers from peer-reviewed journals and manuals from other hatcheries across the United States. RA will help analyze and write articles for publication (10%).


Other duties as assigned (5%).


Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Fisheries, Aquaculture Management, animal sciences or related field with 1 year of related experience. Valid driver's license required.


Additional Job Description:Special Instructions:Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.
Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.
Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).
For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Elizabeth Robinson at erobi22@lsu.edu.

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:July 7, 2026Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):November 4, 2026Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.