Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- Eight (8) months– September 16, 2025 – May 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Soos Creek Hatchery - Auburn, Washington – *King County
*In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

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

At the Soos Creek 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:

Perform Fish Culture: 

• Feeds fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as directed.
• Loading fish from raceways into Mass Marking and CWT trailers. 
• Cleans ponds, raceways, screens, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health
• Assist in inventorying and grading fish populations, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants. 
• Quality control on clipped fish coming out of Mass Marking trailer.
• Assists in loading fish for transport using a variety of methods such as electric fish pump, brail and crane.
• Understands correct safety protocols for all hazardous chemicals/drugs used for all treatments and chemical storage/handling, i.e., formalin, peroxide, anesthetics, paint thinner, gas/diesel, potassium, and other chemicals).

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment:

• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments as directed
• Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment as directed.
• Wears and uses employee safety equipment as directed including, inspecting, cleaning, and repairing employee’s safety equipment; testing employee safety equipment, recording respirator cartridge use and results of respirator tests. 
• Understands confined space regulations and hazards.
• Maintain required safety training through agency training platforms (LMS).

Record Keeping and Reporting:

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

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Typically, the employee in this position will be working outside. This employee will be required to work in all sorts of 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 the facility. 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 is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel requirements: Travel as needed to meet work demands such as traveling around Hatchery grounds or to other Hatcheries to meet business demands.

Tools and Equipment: Perform mechanical tasks using power and hand tools Employee will work with 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: Employee will interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or GED.

License:  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 work experience in a hatchery setting.

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 Diana.Humes@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 Diana.Humes@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05822.

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