Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Vacancies
Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 3 Months – September 16, 2025 – December 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Priest Rapids Hatchery – Mattawa, Washington – Grant County
Housing- No additional housing available.
Standby- Standby not assigned.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you interested in working at a fish hatchery, but don’t know where to start?

This is an opportunity to learn about hatcheries by performing scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at hatchery facilities and trap sites within a complex, rearing anadromous and non-anadromous species of fish.

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

Fish Culture.

• Feeds fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as directed.
• Monitors egg and fish production and disinfects and enumerates eggs
• Assists in identifying, sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution
• Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Vacuums ponds and raceways to maintain fish health.
• Identifies marked adults and collects tags/marks for bio sampling.
• Assist in inventorying and grading fish populations, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, and plants.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment.

• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments as directed.
• Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment as directed.

Record Keeping and Reporting.

• Proficient use of computers and software in order to perform various aspects of hatchery work
• Record daily fed, mortalities in rearing units, water temperatures and other hatchery related data.
• Reports changes in fish behavior and rearing environments to supervisors.

Communications.

• Responds to questions from visitors to the facility and conducts organized tours.
• Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner.
• Communicates closely with supervisors and coworkers regarding hatchery operations and infrastructure.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Outside in all weather conditions. This employee will be required to work in all sorts of weather conditions whether it is raining, snowing, sunny, dark, cold or hot.  At times this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs. 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: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.  Some work 10 days on and 4 days off, adjusted by workload.

Travel requirements: Travel as needed, on hatchery grounds, and between locations to meet work demands.

Customer Interactions: Complex staff, constituent groups, anglers, other agencies and intra agency staff; these include area and district biologists and fish health staff, USFWS and public utilities as well as tribal and other federal, county, state entities and vendors in a professional manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma 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 of experience working at a fish hatchery.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• 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 #2025-05183.

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