Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
*Number of Vacancies- Eight (8) Openings
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Ravensdale, Washington – King County

In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.

*Multiple openings with varying appointment lengths. Apply for one (1) or all the positions by submitting one (1) application.

Six (6) Positions: 3 Months – September 15, 2025 – December 15, 2025
One (1) Position: 4 Months - September 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026
One (1) Position: 5 Months - September 15, 2025 – February 15, 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!

Perform scientific, technical, and maintenance duties at the Cedar River Hatchery facility and trap sites within the complex, including the rearing of anadromous fish (those born in freshwater, spending most of their lives in saltwater, and returning to freshwater to spawn).

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

Perform Fish Culture:

• Monitor egg and fish production and disinfect and count eggs.
• Assist in identifying, sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Identify adults and collects tags/marks for biological sampling.
• Pick egg loss by hand or using equipment and incubate for facility programs or shipments.
• Collect adult fish by volunteer fish trap.
• Assist in fertilizing eggs with sperm, according to pre-determined ratios using established spawning protocols and Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) requirements. Distribute into rearing vessels at correct loadings.
• Incubate eggs using Kitoi boxes.
• Assist in loading fish for transport and driving transport vehicle with tank for adults.
• Ensure rearing areas are secure.
• Understand correct safety protocols for all hazardous chemicals/drugs used for treatments and chemical storage/handling (such as formalin, anesthetics, paint thinner, gas/diesel, and other chemicals).

Operate and Maintain Facility and Equipment:

• Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around the hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
• Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment or structures.
• Use and maintain employee safety equipment (including inspecting, cleaning, and repairing as needed).

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Complete in-office reports, including adult weir monitoring sheets and other hatchery related data.
• Report changes in fish behavior and rearing environments to supervisors.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: The 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 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.

Primarily work outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat, freezing cold, rain, wind, snow, walking in river, through trees/brush, gill netting, seining, and gaffing. The weir located at the temporary adult trap requires wading in strong currents and inclement weather. Perform strenuous activities including frequently walking, climbing, lifting, and carrying or moving 50-pound salt blocks, bags of salt, feed bags, and hatchery parts. Large trucks are required to be operated during many release events both day and night.  

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. Some may work 10-days-on 4-days-off schedules, adjusted by workload to meet business needs. Variations of the normal 8-hour workday will be necessary during specific operations and emergency situations.

Travel Requirements: Travel as needed to meet work demands, including to other hatcheries to assist with heavy workloads.

Tools and Equipment: Power and hand tools, lawn care equipment, egg picking machines, passenger vehicles, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine, and computers.

Customer Interactions: Communicate with the public and volunteers. Interact frequently with small community groups and individual constituents. Work cooperatively with SPU staff, interest groups, and the public.

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:

Six (6) months of experience working at a fish hatchery.

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 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 #2025-05099.

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