Fish Hatchery Technician - Non-Permanent - Three Openings - *05094-25
Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time – Non-Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations – Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County
*Apply to one (1) or all positions by submitting one (1) application:
Beaver Creek Hatchery
One (1) Position – 9 months - September 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
North Toutle Hatchery
One (1) Position – 2.5 months - September 1, 2025 – November 13, 2025
One (1) Position – 9 months - September 15, 2025 – June 12, 2026
This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in fisheries management.
Envision yourself collaborating with dedicated hatchery staff to support fish culture operations and assist in maintaining hatchery equipment and facilities
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Technician will,
- Wash and clean ponds, water intakes, tanks, troughs, egg trays.
- Assist in administering chemical and medicated feed treatments as well as monitoring and maintaining appropriate water flow levels throughout the hatchery.
- Operate high pressure pumps and manual cleaning of rearing containers with brooms or brushes.
- Weigh feed, physically or mechanically distributing feed to rearing containers.
- Operate a seine net, weighing screen buckets of fish and lifting nets or buckets out of the pond repetitively.
- Record data for egg, fry and juvenile mortality, weight samples, feed usage, chemical use, etc.
- Operating hand and power tools to facilitate hatchery maintenance.
- Handling, sorting, and spawning adult salmonids.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- The majority of work will be performed outdoors and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, sun, darkness, cold, and heat.
- At times this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs.
- Use a respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at facility.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.
Customer Interactions: Some interaction with public and volunteers
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 dependent on 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:
Six (6) months or more of hatchery experience.
Your application should include the following:
- A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An up-to-date resume.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
- 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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: 2024-1234 – 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05094.