Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- Five (5) months – January 16, 2026 – June 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Garrison Springs Hatchery – Tacoma, Washington – Pierce County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Assist with fish conservation in Washington while gaining valuable hands-on experience!

This is an opportunity to perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at Lakewood, Garrison, Chambers, and Tumwater facilities.

With your experience, you will rear both anadromous (migratory) and inland species of fish.   

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

Perform Fish Culture:

• Feed fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as directed.
• Monitor egg and fish production and disinfect and enumerate (counts) eggs. 
• Assist in identifying, sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for bio sampling.
• Assist in inventorying and grading fish populations, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants. 
• Pick eggs loss by hand or using equipment and incubates for facility programs or shipments.
• Collect adult fish by hook and line, seining, and volunteer or non-volunteer fish trap.
• Assist in identifying all targeted and non-targeted species, gender, stock origin and condition of maturity when trapping and spawning adults.
• Fertilize eggs with sperm, according to pre-determined ratios using established spawning protocols and HGMP requirements.
• Assist in receiving eggs and samples and distributes them into rearing vessels at correct loadings as well as ponds fry according to proper TU’s.
• Incubate eggs using a variety of vessels including, shallow troughs, isolation buckets, upwelling incubators, and vertical trays.
• Assist in loading fish for transport using a variety of methods (e.g., electric fish pump, brail, crane).
• Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensures rearing areas are secure. 
• Assist in scanning fish for various tags using Coded Wire Tag (CWT) wands, Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tag detectors, and other tag associated equipment.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:

• Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments as directed.
• Actively identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies as appropriate.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment as directed.
• Apply herbicides or controlled burning for weed control as directed.
• Maintain road access to residences, hatchery by plowing, grading, and snow blowers.
• Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment or structures.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Record daily fed, mortalities in rearing units, water temperatures and other hatchery related data.
• Report changes in fish behavior and rearing environments to supervisors.

Customer Service:

• Answer questions from visitors and conduct organized tours.
• Interact professionally and courteously with the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is typically performed outdoors in all/extreme weather conditions and includes performing strenuous physical activities. 
• At times repetitively lift at least 50lb bags/buckets of fish feed and fish.
• Will use 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:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: 

• Frequent driving of a state vehicle on and around hatchery grounds. 
• The position requires starting the day at Lakewood Hatchery, with most work being done at Garrison Springs Hatchery.
• Travel to and from other hatchery grounds may be required to accomplish agency goals. 

Tools and Equipment: 

• Hand and power tools, lawn care equipment, egg-picking machines, passenger vehicles, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engines, computers, and software.

Customer Interactions: 

• Communicate effectively with the public, volunteers, and small community groups. Regularly engage with visitors, providing clear information and maintaining a polite and professional demeanor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• Valid driver’s license.

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

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

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-08915.

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