Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Positions
Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 3 Months – February 2, 2026 – April 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Starbuck, Washington – Lyons Ferry Hatchery – Columbia County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

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

At Lyons Ferry 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:

Fish Culture.

• Feeds fish their calculated daily ration
• Monitors fish behavior and health
• Records daily data on facility and complex forms.
• Participates in fish sampling to determine size.
• Collects mortality, records and disposes in an appropriate manner
• Participates in vacuuming/brooming raceways in order to maintain good fish health.
• Removes egg and fish production mortalities and disinfects the equipment.
• Identifies, sorts, and samples species for spawning and adult distribution
• Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Records data 
• Performs fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.

Facility and Equipment Operation and Maintenance.

• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Monitors and maintains facility support systems.
• Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds.

Public Contact and Communications.

• Responds to questions from visitors to the facility.
• Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner.
• Identifies the best way to respond when faced with difficult-to-answer questions or when information is not readily obtainable.
• Follows up to ensure that an answer was obtained.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Typically, this position will be working outside every day in all weather conditions. At times this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs. 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: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, and 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: This position will travel around hatchery grounds and may travel to other hatcheries to meet business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED equivalency.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft 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:

• Two- or four-year degree in Fisheries or closely associated field.
• Basic fish culture techniques; rearing procedures. 
• Basic computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software. 
• Experience with water dynamics (e.g. flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature, etc.) 
• Experience with the calibration of specialized instruments (e.g. scales, Dissolved Oxygen meters) 
• Basic math skills; calculate and understand quantities and proportions. . 
• Experience with 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 number/title from the top of this posting.

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