Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Number of Vacancies- Three (3)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
- Appointment Length- Varied (2.5 months to 9 months)
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
- Duty Station- Region 5 – Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Multiple locations in Western Washington and a variety of anticipated appointment lengths – apply for one (1) or all the positions listed below by submitting one (1) application!
Beaver Creek Hatchery – Cathlamet, Washington – Wahkiakum County
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One (1) Position: 9 Months – September 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
North Toutle Hatchery – Toutle, Washington – Cowlitz County
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One (1) Position: 2.5 Months – September 1, 2026 – November 13, 2026
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One (1) Position: 9 Months – September 16, 2026 – June 15, 2027
Photo Caption: Hatchery Juvenile Chinook – Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you passionate about fisheries and eager to contribute to our hatchery operations? Be a part of fish conservation efforts in Washington state while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
As a Fish Hatchery Technician at the Beaver Creek or North Toutle hatchery facility, you will work alongside experienced hatchery staff to assist with fish culture and daily hatchery operations, including monitoring egg and fish production, helping rear healthy fish, and ensuring the facilities are clean and maintained.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Technicians will,
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Wash and clean ponds, water intakes, tanks, troughs, and egg trays.
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Operate high-pressure pumps and manually clean rearing containers with brooms or brushes.
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Weigh feed and physically or mechanically distribute feed to the rearing containers.
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Operate a seine net, including repeatedly lifting nets or buckets out of the pond.
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Assist in recording data for egg, fry, and juvenile mortality.
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Operate hand and power tools for grounds care, equipment, and facilities maintenance.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is typically performed outside in all weather conditions. Perform strenuous physical activities, such as frequently and repetitively lifting items weighing at least 50 pounds (such as bags of fish feed or salt).
Use a respirator and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at the facility. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.
Travel Requirements: May occasionally drive a truck to deliver supplies and equipment, travel around the hatchery grounds, and to other hatchery sites to accomplish business needs.
Tools and Equipment: Hand and power tools, lawn care equipment, egg picking machines, passenger vehicles, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine, and computers.
Customer Interactions: May interact with members of the public or volunteers.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
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Six (6) months of hatchery experience.
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Experience with basic fish culture techniques and fish rearing procedures.
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Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software.
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Understanding water dynamics (such as flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature).
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Experience calibrating specialized instruments (scales, Dissolved Oxygen meters).
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Basic math skills, including the ability to calculate and understand quantities and proportions.
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Experience with the safe and proper use/maintenance of tools and equipment.
Your application must include the following:
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A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
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An up-to-date resume.
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At least three professional references with current contact information.
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
Union - WAFHP:
These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:
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Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].
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Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
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Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
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Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
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Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email
[email protected], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or
[email protected].
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to
[email protected] and reference job #2026-06547.
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