Fish Hatchery Technician - Non-Permanent - 2 Openings - *04610-25

Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
*Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Mesa, Washington – Franklin County

*Multiple openings with varying appointment lengths. Apply for one (1) or both positions by submitting one (1) application.
One (1) Position: 7 Months – September 16, 2025 – April 15, 2026
One (1) Position: 9 Months – September 1, 2025 – May 29, 2026

Learn more about being a member of Team 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, you will have the opportunity to perform essential hatchery duties at the Ringold hatchery facility, including the rearing of anadromous fish (those born in freshwater, spending most of their lives in saltwater, and returning to freshwater to spawn) including salmon and steelhead.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Technician will, 

• Assist hatchery staff in performing basic fish hatchery duties.
• Sort and spawn adult anadromous species to include salmon and steelhead.
• Assist in hatchery incubation activities such as counting fish eggs, shocking, and picking eyed eggs.
• Assist hatchery staff in feeding juvenile salmonids and other species.
• Operate high pressure pumps and perform manual cleaning with brooms, brushes, and vacuums to clean ponds, intakes, tanks, troughs, and egg trays.
• Assist with grounds maintenance at the facility including mowing, weed eating, trimming trees and bushes, road maintenance, net mending, garbage clean-up, and janitorial duties.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work, including the operation of vehicles and equipment, is typically performed outside in all weather conditions. Frequently lift and move 50 pounds (such as bags of fish feed or salt). Stand for long periods, kneel, bend, squat, sit, crawl, climb, work in confined spaces, and sometimes dusty or very hot environments. Use a respirator and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at the facility. Safely handle and store flammable fuel oils, compressed gases, lubricants, pesticides, and herbicides. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, 8 hours a day, 5 days per week, but may vary according to the needs of the program and resource. Normally does not exceed 40 hours per week unless emergency conditions exist. Some holidays are required.

Tools and Equipment: May service, repair, and operate various forms of hatchery equipment (such as ATVs, UTVs, tractors, trailers, skid steers, backhoes, spray equipment, lawn mowers, pumps, chillers, etc.). May use various power and hand tools for basic electrical, plumbing, welding, and construction.

Customer Interactions: Frequently interact with anglers, other agency and intra-agency staff, constituent groups, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public utilities, tribal and other government entities, and vendors.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification per supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience in/with:

• Basic fish culture techniques, rearing procedures, and identifying adult salmonids.
• Servicing, repairing, and operating various forms of hatchery equipment to include ATV’s, UTV’s, tractors, trailers, skid steers, backhoes, spray equipment, lawn mowers, hatchery vehicles, pumps, chillers, water heaters, generators and other rented or borrowed equipment at this facility.
• Electrical, plumbing, welding, and construction.
• Power and hand tools, their applications, and safe use.
• Water dynamics (e.g. flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature, etc.).
• Basic math (add/subtract/multiply/divide), calculating and understanding quantities and proportions.
• Basic understanding of spreadsheets and word processing.
• Calibration of specialized instruments (e.g. scales, Dissolved Oxygen meters).
• Maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Applicable agency policies and procedures.
• Safety regulations.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• At least three 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:
 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2025-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• 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 Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 support@neogov.com.
 
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-04610.

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