What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fish Hatchery Technician - Lewis River Hatchery - Non-Permanent - 2026-06287 position at State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife?
Description
Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 9 months – September 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Woodland, Washington – Lewis River Hatchery – Cowlitz County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption – Hatchery steelhead plant – Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you interested in gaining hands-on hatchery experience while supporting Washington's fisheries?
This is an opportunity to work alongside experienced hatchery staff to assist with fish culture and daily hatchery operations, including monitoring egg and fish production, enumerating (counting) eggs, helping rear healthy fish, and ensuring the facilities are clean and maintained.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
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 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 various 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.
- Operate lawn mower, leaf blower, weed eater, pickup truck, various pumps, and power/hand tools.
- Service hatchery equipment and make 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.
Performs other duties as required.
- Conducts special projects as needed to reach hatchery goals.
- Driving vehicles to deliver and/or pick up supplies, materials, and equipment when needed.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Work in all weather conditions for the majority of the appointment length. At times, this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs and perform strenuous physical activities. Use a respirator and other PPE while working with various chemicals used at facilities. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Saturday - Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. This position will be expected to work on weekends.
Travel requirements: Travel around hatchery grounds and may travel to and from other hatchery sites to accomplish business needs.
Customer Interactions: General interaction with public.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED.
And
Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- 6 months of 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 must 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 #2026-06287.
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Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement PlanSalary : $3,195 - $4,201