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Fish Hatcheries Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Civil/Aquaculture Engineer

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

Example projects include the design of fish hatcheries, fish passage facilities, surface water intakes, pump stations, dams, pipelines and fabricated gates and valves. Our clients include utilities ...

Fish Biologist

Anderson, CA ยท On-site +1

$82K - $107K/yr

Plans and conducts a variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data pertaining to species reared and released from National Fish Hatcheries in the ...

Steelhead smolts are raised from eyed eggs received from Sawtooth Fish Hatchery in Stanley, ID, and released back into the Salmon River in April. Both hatcheries are funded by the Lower Snake River ...

Projects include the design of dams, spillways, outlet works, surface water intakes, pump stations, fish hatcheries and passage, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across ...

Projects include the design of dams, spillways, outlet works, surface water intakes, pump stations, fish hatcheries and passage, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across ...

CAD Designer

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Example projects include the design of fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, dams, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United ...

Entry-Level CAD Designer

Helena, MT ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Example projects include the evaluation and design of dams, fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across ...

CAD Designer

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Example projects include the design of fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, dams, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United ...

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Fish Hatcheries information

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How much do fish hatcheries jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for fish hatcheries in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are fish hatcheries?

Fish hatcheries are specialized facilities where fish are bred, hatched, and raised, typically for release into the wild or for commercial purposes. These hatcheries play an important role in supporting fish populations, especially for conservation, restocking, and aquaculture industries. They help replenish depleted fish stocks, introduce species to new habitats, and support recreational fishing activities. Hatchery staff manage breeding, caring for eggs and larvae, and rearing young fish until they are ready for release or sale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fish Hatchery Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fish Hatchery Technician, you need knowledge of aquaculture practices, fish biology, and often a degree or coursework in fisheries science or a related field. Familiarity with water quality monitoring equipment, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure healthy fish populations, efficient hatchery operations, and compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by fish hatchery technicians, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Fish hatchery technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, preventing disease outbreaks, and managing fluctuating environmental conditions. These issues are typically addressed through careful monitoring of water parameters, regular cleaning and maintenance of tanks and equipment, and adherence to biosecurity protocols. Technicians also collaborate closely with biologists and other team members to troubleshoot problems and implement best practices, ensuring healthy fish populations and successful hatchery operations.

What is the difference between Fish Hatcheries vs Fish Biologists?

AspectFish HatcheriesFish Biologists
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require technical certificationsBachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related field; advanced roles may require master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentFish hatcheries, outdoor and indoor facilities, hands-on animal careResearch labs, field sites, offices, outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, aquaculture companies, conservation programsResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental organizations

Fish hatcheries focus on breeding, raising, and releasing fish populations, often working directly with fish in controlled environments. Fish biologists conduct research, study fish populations, and develop conservation strategies. While both roles involve aquatic environments and fish management, hatcheries are more hands-on and operational, whereas biologists are research-oriented and analytical.

More about Fish Hatcheries jobs
What states have the most Fish Hatcheries jobs? States with the most job openings for Fish Hatcheries jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fish Hatcheries job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,881 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Project Civil/Aquaculture Engineer

Schnabel Inc.

Boise, ID โ€ข On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
  • Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
  • Long-term disability
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  • Bonus program
  • Paid time off
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Wellness program
  • Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. Our Boise, Idaho office is seeking a Mid-level Civil/Aquaculture Engineer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team. This position offers a balanced combination of technical work and project management responsibilities.

The Boise office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of fish facilities, raw water intakes, and hydraulic structures within our dams engineering group. Example projects include the design of fish hatcheries, fish passage facilities, surface water intakes, pump stations, dams, pipelines and fabricated gates and valves. Our clients include utilities, state and federal agencies, private power producers, and conservation groups while regularly collaborating with other consulting firms. You would be joining an intelligent, dedicated, and enthusiastic group of engineers and designers.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Analyze and design components related to aquaculture facilities (fish hatcheries, upstream and downstream fish passage, fish screens, etc.), including scoping and leading engineering evaluation and design tasks in one’s specific area of technical expertise.
  • Lead hatchery design quality control efforts, including working to further develop existing design standards.
  • Perform inspections of fish facilities and provide detailed assessment reports of conditions.
  • Assist in the preparation of complete engineering plans and specifications to be part of construction documents.
  • Work as a team member within the Boise office and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources.
  • Develop and maintain a group of relationship-oriented clients that provide a continuous source of work for the firm.
  • Work with business development and branch staff to effectively respond to requests for proposals or presentation of qualifications in other forums.
  • Perform management duties related to obtaining signed contracts, verification of time sheets, reviewing and approving invoices, developing, and tracking project schedules and budgets.
  • Manage projects through investigation, design, and construction.
  • Manage and mentor junior engineers, commensurate with experience level.
  • Periodic travel will be required.

Required Skills/Experience:

  • A bachelor's degree focused in civil or mechanical engineering, from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
  • 5+ years of relevant work experience in Civil, Water Resources, Mechanical and/or Structural Engineering around fish facilities.
  • Ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.
  • Experience in the design, layout, and evaluation of fish hatcheries and aquaculture facilities.
  • Experience developing system-wide hatchery plans and knowledge of hatchery facility construction techniques and maintenance needs.
  • Ability to manage simultaneous tasks and multi-discipline projects throughout the full project cycle.
  • Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings and technical specifications for bidding and construction.
  • Experience working with owners and contractors during the construction phases of a project.
  • Willingness and ability to travel and perform field work.
  • A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Include a cover letter with your resume articulating why you are interested in joining Schnabel and our Boise office.
  • Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, credit check.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • Master's degree in civil engineering or a secondary degree in biology or aquatic-related fields.
  • Experience with Tribal, State, Federal and private fishery program managers.
  • Experience with Bluebeam, Mathcad, AutoCAD, and/or Revit.
  • Experience with biological programming, RAS/PRAS, water resource infrastructure, water conveyance, various approaches to fish rearing, mechanical hatchery components, civil grading, and aeration systems.
  • Experience in consulting engineering.

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

The compensation range for this position is between $73,202 to $110,015. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.