Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3.5 Months – August 16, 2026 – November 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- George Adams Hatchery – Shelton, Washington – Mason County

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about fisheries and eager to contribute to our hatchery operations? Be a part of fish conservation efforts in Washington state while gaining valuable hands-on experience!

Assist with basic technical, scientific, and maintenance duties at the George Adams Hatchery facility as we rear juvenile salmon, maintain raceways, and handle adult fish during spawning season.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Technician will,

Perform Fish Culture:

• Feed fish according to the pond populations and weight samples, adjusting the size and amount as directed.
• Monitor egg and fish production, disinfect equipment, and enumerate eggs.
• Assist in identifying, sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for biological sampling.
• Assist in inventorying, weight samples, and plants.
• Pick egg loss by hand or using equipment and incubate eggs for facility programs or shipments.
• Assist in loading fish for transport using a variety of methods, such as a diesel fish pump.
• Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensure rearing areas are secure.

Operate and Maintain the Facility and Equipment:

• Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Actively identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around the hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
• 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.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Record data daily, to include feeding, mortalities in rearing units, and water temperatures.
• Report changes in fish behavior and rearing environments to supervisors.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed outside in all weather conditions, typically for about 65 days during the appointment. Perform strenuous physical activities including repetitively lifting feed bags, salt blocks, and hatchery equipment weighing 50 pounds. May use respirator and other personal protective equipment while working with various chemicals 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: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8 hours per day. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: This position will travel to the Hoodsport and Mckernan hatcheries to accomplish business needs.

Tools and Equipment: Hand and power tools, lawn care equipment, personal floatation devices (PFD) and other personal protective equipment (PPE), egg picking machines, passenger vehicles, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine, and computers.

Customer Interactions: Regularly interact with small community groups, individual members of the public, and volunteers.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

High School diploma or GED.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Work experience in a hatchery setting.

Knowledge of:

• 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).

Basic skills in:

• Computer software, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Math, to calculate and understand quantities and proportions.
• The 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.
• 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. 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2026-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05018.

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