Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 9 months – September 16, 2025 – June 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Naselle, Washington – Pacific County – Naselle 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 Naselle 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, 

Fish Culture:

• Monitor eggs and fish production and disinfect and enumerate eggs.
• Assist in identifying, sorting and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Work in the incubation room sorting and cleaning of eggs by hand or with equipment.
• Assist with spawning and placing in incubation units to meet program goals.
• Loading fry from incubation room to the rearing vessel.
• Assist in keeping the facility safe and secure.
• Understand correct safety protocols for all hazardous chemicals.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility:

• Actively identify safety hazards and act in resolution.
• Operate high pressure pumps and manual cleaning of rearing containers with brooms and brushes.
• Wash and clean ponds, intakes, tanks, troughs, and egg trays.
• Service and maintain hatchery related equipment and structures.
• Maintain intakes, traps and weirs for proper operation

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

• Assist hatchery staff in recording fish collected, eggs taken, feed fed and pond mortalities.
• Fill in hatchery forms with daily activities, i.e. daily loss, temperature, daily adult and egg totals.
• Report fish behavior and environmental changes to supervisors

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Operate vehicles and equipment in all weather conditions.
• Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting or moving up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, kneeling, bending, squatting, sitting, crawling, climbing, and working in confined spaces or dusty, hot environments.
• Work in and around water, including while wearing waders and performing duties on or over water surfaces.
• Use of a respirator and other forms of personal protection equipment (PPE)
• Safely handle chemicals used in therapeutic fish treatments and herbicide applications under direct supervision and in accordance with product labels.
• Demonstrate safe handling and storage of flammable fuel oils, compressed gases, lubricants, pesticides and herbicides.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires a flexibility and may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. Hours could vary greatly, some short days and some long days depending on weather and availability of fish.

Travel Requirements: May be required to travel to other hatcheries to assist in hatchery operations.

Tools and Equipment: Perform mechanical tasks using power and hand tools

Customer Interactions: Potential interaction with the public, extensive interaction with other hatchery employees.

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 one or more of the following:

• Basic fish culture techniques including rearing procedures
• Ability to identify salmonids
• Basic math skills including calculating and understanding quantities and proportions
• Computer knowledge including basic understanding of spreadsheets and word processing

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 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 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 #2025-05579.

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