Fish Hatchery Technician – Cowlitz Trout Hatchery – Non

Fish Hatchery Technician – Cowlitz Trout Hatchery – Non-Permanent –

Classification – Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status – Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length – 7 Months – September 1 2025 – March 31 2026
WDFW Program – Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station – Cowlitz Trout Hatchery – Toledo Washington – Lewis County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW.

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

At the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery, you will assist in maintaining hatchery facilities and equipment, as well as participating in fish culture activities.

Join our team and contribute to Washington state’s fish conservation efforts while gaining valuable hands‑on experience!

Among the varied range of responsibilities, the Fish Hatchery Technician will:

• Clean and pressure wash empty fish rearing vessels.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around the hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
• Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, and common power tools.
• Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery‑related equipment.
• Wear and use employee safety equipment as directed, including inspecting, cleaning, and repairing the equipment.

• Feed fish and weigh up, according to the feeding schedule.
• Remove eggs and fish production mortalities and disinfect the equipment.
• Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Perform fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, and plants.
• Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensure rearing areas are secure.

Work outdoors in all weather conditions. Perform strenuous activities including repeatedly lifting or moving at least 50 pounds such as salt blocks, bags of salt, feed bags, large debris, and hatchery parts. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Work hours can vary greatly at different times of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions. This position may require standby; on standby the employee oversees the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day after the regular 8‑hour shift. While on standby, the position will work ten (10) days, including seven (7) days of standby duty, and be off four (4) days.

Hand and power tools, lawn care equipment, welding equipment, water sampling instruments, passenger vehicles, fish pumps, trash pumps, pressure washers, small gas engine, computers, tractors, forklifts, and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).

General interactions with the public.

High School diploma or GED.

Certifications/Licenses
Valid Driver’s License.

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Work experience in a hatchery setting.

• Basic fish culture techniques and rearing procedures.
• Water dynamics such as flows, flow patterns, availability, and temperature.
• Specialized instrument calibration such as scales and dissolved oxygen meters.

• Computer software, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Math to calculate and understand quantities and proportions.

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form on their first day of work. If hired, you will be required to…