Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 8.5 Months – September 16, 2025 – May 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Lewis River Hatchery – Woodland, Washington – Cowlitz County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about fisheries and eager to support our hatchery operations?

At the Lewis River Hatchery, you will assist in maintaining hatchery facilities and equipment, as well as participating in fish culture activities.

You are excited to contribute to Washington state’s fish conservation efforts while gaining valuable hands-on experience!

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Adult fish handling and sorting, spawning, with the assistance of a mechanized adult sorting facility. Fish feeding, pond cleaning, picking out and removing sick and or morbid fish and eggs. Assist in scanning for fish tags. Maintain proper water flow.

• Collecting, identifying, sorting, and spawning of adult salmon.
• The operation of pond vacuum, pressure washer, fire hose and varies brushes for cleaning rearing vessels and incubators.
• Lifting up to 50-pound bags of feed to empty into buckets to feed fish.
• Utilize dip nets, suction hose, and/or egg pickers for removing morbid fish and/or eggs from healthy populations in the incubation and rearing life stages.

Fish and egg sampling.

• Weighing and counting salmon eggs or fish to determine the size. This task requires careful attention to detail and may be performed during times of inclement weather.

Grounds and equipment maintenance and repair.

• Cleaning adult sorting and handling area, intakes and bar racks, adult fish traps and weirs, hatchery buildings\bathrooms, vehicles.
• Be able to operate lawn mower, leaf blower, weed eater, pickup truck, various pumps, and power/hand tools.
• Capable of servicing hatchery equipment and making minor repairs.

Public contact and communication.

• Responds to/answers questions from visitors or outside entities in a polite professional manner.
• Conducts organized tours.
• Identifies the best way to respond with difficult-to-answer questions or when information is not readily available.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Outside in all weather conditions.  At times this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs.  Also will need to use respirator and other 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. Perform strenuous physical activities, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, gather and compile data, and use sound judgment.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8 hours per day. Typical hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. 

Travel requirements: Minimal. Driving vehicles to deliver and/or pickup supplies, materials, and equipment when needed.

Customer Interactions: General interaction with the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or GED.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification is dependent on 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:

• 6 months work experience in a hatchery setting.
• Basic fish culture techniques; 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.
• 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 (3) 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 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 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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05822.

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