Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hatchery Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hatchery Technician, you are the frontline steward of life's earliest stages. This critical, hands-on role involves managing the daily operations of a hatchery, ensuring the health, growth, and quality of either aquatic species (like fish and shellfish) or poultry. You will be responsible for creating and maintaining the perfect environment for incubation and rearing, from managing water quality and feeding schedules to implementing strict biosecurity protocols. Your attention to detail and dedication directly impact the success of the entire operation, whether for commercial food production, conservation stocking programs, or genetic improvement. This position requires a blend of biological knowledge, technical skill, and a strong work ethic, offering a deeply rewarding career for those passionate about animal husbandry and sustainable production.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Biology or Environmental Science Graduate
General Farm or Agriculture Hand
Aquaculture or Poultry Intern/Apprentice
Veterinary Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Hatchery Technician
Hatchery Manager / Assistant Hatchery Manager
Broodstock Manager
Fish Health Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Water Quality Specialist
Aquaculture Research Assistant
Feed and Nutrition Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously monitor, record, and regulate environmental conditions within incubation and rearing systems, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and water flow, to ensure optimal development.
Execute precise daily feeding protocols for all life stages, from larvae to juveniles, adjusting feed types and rations based on species, developmental stage, behavior, and biomass calculations.
Perform routine health assessments of stock, identifying and reporting any signs of disease, stress, or abnormal behavior to supervisors for prompt intervention.
Administer approved prophylactic or therapeutic treatments to water or feed as directed by the Health Manager to prevent and control disease outbreaks.
Conduct regular cleaning and disinfection of tanks, incubators, filtration systems, and all associated equipment to maintain strict biosecurity and hygiene standards.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of complex hatchery equipment, including pumps, filters, aeration systems, automated feeders, and monitoring sensors.
Collect, handle, and sort eggs and larvae, assessing quality and fertility rates and managing incubation through hatching.
Perform grading, counting, and moving of fish or chicks between different tanks or systems according to the production schedule, minimizing stress on the animals.
Keep detailed and accurate daily records of all activities, including feeding, mortality, water quality parameters, treatments, and inventory movements, using logbooks or digital software.
Assist in the spawning of broodstock, which may involve hormone induction, egg stripping, and fertilization procedures.
Conduct regular water quality testing using both electronic probes and chemical titration methods to ensure parameters are within target ranges.
Implement and adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens.
Manage live feed cultures (e.g., algae, rotifers, artemia) for larval fish, including propagation, harvesting, and enrichment.
Participate in the packing and transport of live animals, ensuring that transport units are properly oxygenated and temperature-controlled for safe delivery.
Calibrate and perform routine maintenance on scientific and monitoring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Assist in inventory management of feed, chemicals, and supplies, alerting the Hatchery Manager when stock levels are low.
Perform general facility maintenance tasks, including minor plumbing, pump repair, and infrastructure upkeep to ensure a safe and functional work environment.
Collect biological samples (e.g., tissue, water, swabs) for diagnostic analysis and research purposes as required.
Operate heavy machinery such as forklifts or tractors for moving feed, tanks, or other heavy materials around the facility.
Train and mentor junior technicians or interns on hatchery procedures, safety protocols, and best practices in animal husbandry.
Monitor alarm systems for critical life support systems and respond to emergencies, including after-hours and weekend on-call shifts, to ensure animal safety.

Secondary Functions

Assist with the collection and entry of data for research trials and performance analysis.
Contribute to the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Participate in facility-wide safety meetings and contribute to a positive safety culture.
Support facility tours and public outreach events by explaining hatchery operations to visitors.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Water Quality Analysis (Titration & Electronic Probes)
Fish/Poultry Husbandry & Handling
Larval Rearing Techniques
Biosecurity and Disinfection Protocols
Operation of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
Basic Plumbing and Mechanical Maintenance
Live Feed Culture (Algae, Rotifers, Artemia)
Data Collection and accurate Record-Keeping
Microscope Operation and Sample Identification
Understanding of Fish or Avian Physiology and Disease
Equipment Calibration and Troubleshooting

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail
Strong Observational Skills
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Adaptability and Flexibility to changing conditions
Physical Stamina and ability to lift heavy objects (e.g., 50 lbs)
Independent Work Ethic and Self-Motivation
Teamwork and Communication
Time Management and ability to multitask
Willingness to work in wet, humid, and variable temperature environments

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, coupled with relevant work experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aquaculture or Fisheries Science
Marine Biology
Animal or Poultry Science
Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-3 years of experience in a relevant field. Hands-on experience is highly valued.

Preferred:

1+ years of direct, hands-on experience working in a commercial or research hatchery environment (aquaculture or poultry). Familiarity with the specific species being cultured is a significant asset.