Fish Hatchery Technicians – Non-Permanent – Two (2) Openings – 2026-05591

Classification – Fish Hatchery Technicians
Number of Vacancies – Two (2) 
Job Status – Full-Time – Non-Permanent 
Anticipated Appointment Lengths – Varied Appointment Lengths (4.5 months or 10 months)
       One (1) position: 4.5 Months – 9/1/2026 – 1/15/2027 
       One (1) Position: 10 months – 8/16/2026 – 6/15/2027
WDFW Program – Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station – Naselle Hatchery – Naselle, Washington – Pacific County 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you interested in gaining hands-on hatchery experience while supporting Washington’s fisheries? 

As our Fish Hatchery Technicians at Naselle Hatchery, you’ll work alongside experienced hatchery staff to assist with fish culture and daily hatchery operations, including monitoring egg and fish production, disinfecting and enumerating (counting) eggs, and helping rear healthy fish. 

Your work will directly support hatchery production goals and contribute to sustainable fisheries across Washington.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Fish Hatchery Technicians will perform, 

Fish Culture:

• Monitor eggs and fish production and disinfects and enumerates (count) eggs.
• Assist in identifying, sorting and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Work in the incubation room sorting and cleaning of eggs by hand or with equipment.
• Assist with spawning and placing in incubation units to meet program goals.
• Load fry from incubation room to the rearing vessel.
• Assist in keeping the facility safe and secure.
• Understand correct safety protocols for all hazardous chemicals.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility:

• Operate high pressure pumps and manual cleaning of rearing containers with brooms and brushes.
• Wash and clean ponds, intakes, tanks, troughs, and egg trays.
• Service and maintain hatchery related equipment and structures.

Recordkeeping and Reporting: 

• Assist hatchery staff in recording fish collected, eggs taken, feed fed and pond mortalities.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

Work is performed in all weather conditions and may include performing strenuous physical activities, lifting/moving up to 50 pounds of fish feed, fish, and equipment daily, standing for long periods of time, kneeling, bending, squatting, sitting, crawling on hands and knees, climbing, working in confined, dusty, and hot environments. 

Work may include operating vehicles and equipment, working in and around and over water with waders on, the use of a respirator and other forms of personal protection equipment (PPE), handling chemicals for therapeutic fish treatments and herbicides appropriately and accordance with labels under direct supervision. 

Must use sound judgement and demonstrate safe handling and storage of flammable fuel oils, compressed gases, lubricants, pesticides and herbicides. 

These positions may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Full-time position, 40 hours per week. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, seasonal demands, and weather conditions. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Travel Requirements: May be required to travel to other hatcheries to assist in hatchery operations.

Tools and Equipment: Perform mechanical tasks using power and hand tools.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

High school Diploma or GED (General Educational Development). 

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience with: 

• Basic fish culture techniques.
• Fish rearing procedures.
• Identifying salmonids.
• Basic math (add/subtract/multiply/divide).
• Calculating and understanding quantities and proportions.
• Computers and basic understanding of spreadsheets and word processing.
• Gathering and compiling data.
• Training new employees.
• Communicating effectively with the public.

Your Application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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 kaila.daudt@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: 2026-1234 – 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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05591.

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