Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 7 months – September 16, 2025 – April 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Salkum, Washington – Lewis County – Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in fisheries management.

Envision yourself at Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery, 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, 

• Assist in feeding juvenile salmonids.
• Assist in incubation room picking eggs and ponding fry from incubators to juvenile raceways and troughs. 
• Assist with juvenile weigh samples and coefficient variation’s (CV), mass marking, and inventory splits of juveniles and planting smolts. 
• Operate a seine net, weigh screen buckets of fish and lift nets or buckets out of the pond repetitively. 
• Operate high pressure pumps and manually clean rearing raceways and troughs with vacuum/venture system. 
• Clean intake and attraction racks. 
• Pressure wash and clean rearing ponds, brushing juvenile raceway screens and cleaning water intakes, tanks, troughs, and egg trays.
• Assist in spawning, nutrient enhancement and surplus activities.
• Perform grounds care and maintenance, repairs equipment and facilities.
• Assist in taking and recording data.
• Occasionally drive truck to deliver supplies and equipment.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Will work the majority of the time outside and in all weather conditions. Will repetitively lift or move at least 44 lbs. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is Saturday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements: Occasionally drive truck to deliver supplies and equipment.

Tools and Equipment: Perform mechanical tasks using hand tools and some power tools, weed eater, pressure washer, passenger vehicle and forklift, computers and software, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment.

Customer Interactions: May have 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 the following:

Hatchery experience.

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 #2025-05811.

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