WCC Individual Placement: Puget Sound Restoration Fund Restoration Hatchery Technician

Position description

The Restoration Hatchery Technician will serve with Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF) at the Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration (Chew Center) that PSRF operates at NOAA’s Manchester Research Station on the Kitsap Peninsula. Our team works to advance our
mission of designing, testing, and spearheading in-water actions to restore Puget Sound’s marine
habitats, species, and waters — for people and place. In this position with PSRF, the technician will
assist with all aspects of hatchery production and research on a variety of species native to
Washington’s marine waters. The focus of the WCC IP’s service will be direct support of restoration
and research programs for Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida), pinto abalone (Haliotis
kamtschatkana), and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana). Responsibilities include animal husbandry,
microalgae and macroalgae culture, data collection and management, facilities maintenance, and
occasional fieldwork. Learn more about the Chew Center and the variety of projects the team has
underway.

Position responsibilities

  • Assist with all aspects of microalgae culture including monitoring cultures, preparing media, and sterilizing equipment/media for algal transfers, which involves handling chemicals and working with an autoclave [50%]
  • Provide support for husbandry [30%]
  • Maintain broodstock, larval, post-set, and juvenile culture systems daily for Olympia oysters (winter-spring) and pinto abalone (spring-fall)
  • Keep accurate records of larval, post-set, and seed growth, survival, and culture conditions
  • Assist with bull kelp laboratory operations and culture work
  • Assist with induced spawns of multiple species
  • Maintain facilities and operational systems [10%]
  • Regularly clean/repair/replace all components of water treatment system (filters, pumps, heaters, heat exchangers) and plumbing
  • Assist in construction of components of animal and microalgae culture systems
  • Maintain all equipment in good working condition
  • Assist PSRF researchers and collaborators with data collection and management for PSRF projects and other related research. [5%]
  • Provide support for fieldwork, which includes hiking on rocky beaches and mudflats and frequent heavy lifting. Fieldwork occurs year-round, in all weather conditions, at different times during the day and night to coincide with low tides. [5%]

Eligibility and qualifications

  • Must be 18-25 years old, with exceptions for those with military service or mental or sensory disabilities.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful U.S. Permanent Resident and possess a valid REAL ID or other acceptable federal ID (e.g., a passport).
  • Must pass a federal background investigation and obtain government security clearance prior to beginning service at the Chew Center.
  • Preference is given to Washington state residents.
  • A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field is desired, or four years of equivalent experience.
  • Applicants should have a strong interest in local marine ecosystems, environmental restoration and conservation, shellfish biology, sustainable aquaculture, and natural resources.
  • Availability to care for live animals and perform algae culture tasks on the weekend occasionally.

Pay and benefits

  • Living allowance of $1,476, twice a month ($2,952 per month, before taxes).
  • AmeriCorps benefits include:
  • AmeriCorps Education Award (scholarship) of $7,395 upon successful completion of the term (1,700 service hours).
  • Loan forbearance for qualified loans during service.
  • Childcare assistance through the AmeriCorps Childcare Program.
  • Health insurance starting on the first day of service. WCC pays the monthly insurance premium.
  • Mental health services through the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
  • Members may be eligible for food benefits through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
  • Two weeks of professional training.
  • Access to professional discounts on outdoor gear.
  • Up to 120 hours of personal time off in addition to observed state holidays and a winter
    break at the end of December.

Schedule: Regular schedule is 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend service.

Term length: Oct. 5, 2026, to Sept. 15, 2027

Application

Submit an online application (select this IP position on the application) and email a resume (or
CV), cover letter, and 3 references to Jennifer Anstey at jenn@restorationfund.org by August 3,
2026, for priority consideration.

About WCC

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) creates future leaders through community involvement
and mentorship. The program supports more than 300 members and experienced staff statewide
who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth, and respond to disasters.