Fish Hatchery Technicians - Non Two

Job Overview

Classification – Fish Hatchery Technicians
Number of Vacancies – Two (2)
Job Status – Full‑Time – Non‑Permanent
Anticipated Appointment Lengths – 4.5 month (9/1/2026 – 1/15/2027) and 10 month (8/16/2026 – 6/15/2027) positions

Duty Station – Naselle Hatchery, Naselle, Washington – Pacific County

Join Team WDFW and gain hands‑on hatchery experience while supporting Washington’s fisheries. Fish Hatchery Technicians work alongside experienced staff to assist with fish culture, daily hatchery operations, egg and fish production monitoring, egg disinfection and enumeration, and rear healthy fish.

Fish Culture

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

Operation and Maintenance of Facility

• Operate high‑pressure pumps and manually clean rearing containers with brooms and brushes.
• Wash and clean ponds, intakes, tanks, troughs, and egg trays.
• Service and maintain hatchery‑related equipment and structures.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

• Assist hatchery staff in recording fish collected, eggs taken, feed fed, and pond mortalities.

Work is performed in all weather conditions and may include strenuous physical activities, lifting or moving up to 50 pounds of fish feed, fish, and equipment daily, standing for long periods, kneeling, bending, squatting, sitting, crawling on hands and knees, climbing, working in confined, dusty, and hot environments. Must use sound judgement and demonstrate safe handling and storage of flammable fuel oils, compressed gases, lubricants, pesticides, and herbicides.

These positions may involve working in or near water, handling chemicals for therapeutic fish treatments and herbicides, and operating vehicles and equipment.

Schedule: Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Schedules may vary based on business needs, seasonal demands, and weather conditions. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
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.

• High school Diploma or GED.

• Valid driver’s license.

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Basic fish culture techniques.
• Fish rearing procedures.
• Identifying salmonids.
• Basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Calculating and understanding quantities and proportions.
• Computers and basic understanding of spreadsheets and word processing.
• Gathering and compiling data.
• Training new employees.
• Communicating effectively with the public.

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals. Veterans and qualifying spouses eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.

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 can contact Jayme Chase by phone  or email Jayme.

Chase.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9) on their first day of work. On employment, you must provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States.