Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Positions
Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 3 Months – July 16, 2025 – October 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Kalama Falls Hatchery - Kalama, Washington – Cowlitz County

The salary listed above does not include the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to 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 the Kalama Falls Hatchery.

You are excited to rear anadromous (fish that spend part of their lives in both fresh and salt water, migrating from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn) and inland species of fish.  

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, these positions will:

Adult fish handling, fish feeding, pond cleaning, and recording data.

• Collecting, sorting, spawning, sampling, of adult and juvenile salmon.
• The operation of pond vacuum and pressure washer for pond cleaning.
• Brushing intake and pond screens to maintain water flow.
• Pick fish mortality.
• Lifting 44-pound feed bags to empty into buckets to feed fish.

Egg sampling, sorting, and inventorying.

• Weighing and counting salmon eggs.
• Removing egg deformities and mortalities.

Grounds and equipment maintenance.

• Cleaning adult handling areas, vehicles, hatchery buildings\bathrooms.
• Mowing, weed eating, raking, weeding, and other related duties.
• Small equipment repairs or maintenance.

Public Contact and Communications.

• Responds to/answers questions from visitors or outside entities in a polite, professional manner.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Outside in all weather conditions. Typically, the employee in this position will be working outside about 65 days through a 3-month appointment. Will be required to work in all sorts of weather conditions whether it is raining, snowing, sunny, dark, cold, or hot. At times, will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs. At times may need to use respirator and other PPE while working with various chemicals used at facility. Perform strenuous physical activities, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, gather and compile data, and use sound judgment. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: These positions are full-time, working 40 hours per week. The work week is Saturday through Friday with 5 days on and 2 consecutive days off. The typical workday is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This position will work weekends. There is potential for occasional evening work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel requirements: Minimal travel.  May need to travel to other hatcheries to assist with fish culture related tasks and/or travel to regional office or field for specialized training.

Tools and Equipment: Hand & power tools, lawn care equipment, egg picking machines, passenger vehicles, CWT identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine, computers, and software.

Customer Interactions: General interaction with the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:
High school diploma/GED.

License:  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. Some mandatory training include: WDFW New Employee Orientation, WA State Defensive Driving, WA State Sexual Harassment Prevention, WDFW Outdoor Heat Exposure, and WDFW Personal Floatation Device training.

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

• Work experience in a hatchery setting.
• Knowledge and/or experience with basic fish culture techniques and rearing procedures.
• Basic computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software.
• Water dynamics (e.g. flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature, etc.).
• Calibration of specialized instruments (e.g. scales, Dissolved Oxygen meters).
• Basic math skills; calculate and understand quantities and proportions.
• Safe and proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.

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 Cheri.Potter@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 emailJayme.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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-03524.

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