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Hatchery Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Hatchery Production Associate

Kenly, NC · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

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 ...

General Labor - Kenly Hatchery

Kenly, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

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 ...

General Labor - Kenly Hatchery

Kenly, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

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 ...

General Labor - Kenly Hatchery

Kenly, NC

$12.75 - $16/hr

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 ...

General Labor - Kenly Hatchery

Kenly, NC

$12.75 - $16/hr

SummaryAs 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 ...

Hatchery Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do hatchery associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for hatchery associate in Raleigh, NC is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hatchery Associate, and why are they important?

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 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 are Hatchery Associates?

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 popular job titles related to Hatchery Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Hatchery Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hatchery Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Hatchery Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Hatchery Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Hatchery Associate job openings:
Hatchery Production Associate

Hatchery Production Associate

Perdue Farms

Kenly, NC • On-site

$11 - $15/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Perdue Farms rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 379 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

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.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • High school or equivalent.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • 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.


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