Number of Vacancies- Eight (8) Positions
Working Title- Fish Hatchery Technician
Classification- Job class
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 3 Months – September 16, 2026 – December 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Ravensdale, Washington – Cedar River Hatchery – *King County
Please note: Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption – Chinook at Cedar Creek Weir – Photo Credit:
Are you interested in learning more about the work done at hatcheries?
These positions are an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in fisheries management!
We are seeking candidates to perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at hatchery facilities and trap sites within a complex, rearing anadromous fish.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
Fish Culture.
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Monitors egg and fish production and Disinfects and enumerates eggs.
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Assists in identifying, sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
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Identifies adults and collects tags/marks for bio sampling.
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Picks eggs loss by hand or using equipment and incubates for facility programs or shipments.
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Collects adult fish by volunteer fish trap.
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Assists in Fertilizing eggs with sperm, according to pre-determined ratios using established spawning protocols and HGMP requirements.
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Distributes them into rearing vessels at correct loadings.
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Incubates eggs using a Kitoi boxes.
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Assists in loading fish for transport.
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Drive transport vehicle with tank for adults.
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Ensures rearing areas are secure.
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Understands correct safety protocols for all hazardous chemicals/drugs used for all treatments and chemical storage/handling, i.e. formalin, anesthetics, paint thinner, gas/diesel, and other chemicals).
Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment.
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Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments as directed.
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Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment as directed.
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Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment or structures.
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Wears and uses employee safety equipment as directed including, inspecting, cleaning, and repairing employee’s safety equipment.
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Maintain required safety training through agency training platforms (LMS).
Other duties as assigned.
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In office reports adult weir monitoring sheets and other hatchery related data.
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Reports changes in fish behavior and rearing environments to supervisors.
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Travels to other hatcheries to assist with heavy workloads.
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Responds to questions from visitors to the facility.
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Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Cedar River Hatchery is located at the Landsburg Dam near the town of Ravensdale, Washington. The temporary adult trap and weir location is across the Cedar River from the City of Renton’s Carco Park, under the Highway 405 bridge over the Cedar River. The weir located at the temporary adult trap requires wading in strong currents and inclement weather. The hatchery is a Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) owned facility and is located on SPU property within the Cedar River Watershed which requires personal security screen approval for access. Large trucks are required to be operated during many release events both day and night. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Outdoor work in all weather conditions. Walking, climbing, lifting, and carrying or moving 50 pounds is frequent. Perform strenuous physical activities, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, gather and compile data, use sound judgment. 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 AM - 4:30 PM. At times, may work 10 days on and 4 days off, adjusted by workload to meet business needs. Variations of the normal eight-hour workday will be necessary during specific operations and emergency situations.
Travel requirements: Travel as needed to meet work demands.
Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with public and volunteers. Interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, courteous manner at all times. Employees are also expected to communicate respectfully and work cooperatively with WDFW co-workers and all SPU staffs, interest groups, and the public. It is essential to this position that strong inter-personal, communication, problem solving, and team building skills contribute to the development of an efficient, positive, and productive working environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
GED or high school diploma.
And
Valid driver’s license.
And
The successful candidate must have the ability to successfully pass a background check.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess the following:
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Six (6) months of experience working at a fish hatchery.
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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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A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
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At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.
SUPPLEMENTAL 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: 2024-1234 – 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 #
2026-06074.
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