Fish Hatcheries Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $3,195.00 - $4,201.00 Monthly
Location : Pacific County - Naselle, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-05591
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 7/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Classification - Fish Hatchery Technicians
Number of Vacancies - Two (2)
Job Status - Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Anticipated Appointment Lengths - Varied Appointment Lengths (4.5 months or 10 months)
One (1) Position: 4.5 Months - 9/1/2026 - 1/15/2027
One (1) Position: 10 months - 8/16/2026 - 6/15/2027
WDFW Program - Fish Program - Hatcheries Division
Duty Station - Naselle Hatchery - Naselle, Washington - Pacific County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Steelhead Jumps up Waterfall - Photo Credit: Fernando Cisneros
Are you interested in gaining hands-on hatchery experience while supporting Washington's fisheries?
As our Fish Hatchery Technicians at Naselle Hatchery, you'll work alongside experienced hatchery staff to assist with fish culture and daily hatchery operations, including monitoring egg and fish production, disinfecting and enumerating (counting) eggs, and helping rear healthy fish.
Your work will directly support hatchery production goals and contribute to sustainable fisheries across Washington.
Photo Caption: Steelhead Jumps up Waterfall - Photo Credit: Fernando Cisneros
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Fish Hatchery Technicians will perform,
Fish Culture:

• Monitor eggs and fish production and disinfects and enumerates (count) eggs.
• Assist in identifying, sorting and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Work in the incubation room sorting and cleaning of eggs by hand or with equipment.
• Assist with spawning and placing 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 all hazardous chemicals.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility:

• Operate high pressure pumps and manual cleaning of 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.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
Work is performed in all weather conditions and may include performing strenuous physical activities, lifting/moving up to 50 pounds of fish feed, fish, and equipment daily, standing for long periods of time, kneeling, bending, squatting, sitting, crawling on hands and knees, climbing, working in confined, dusty, and hot environments.
Work may include operating vehicles and equipment, working in and around and over water with waders on, the use of a respirator and other forms of personal protection equipment (PPE), handling chemicals for therapeutic fish treatments and herbicides appropriately and accordance with labels under direct supervision.
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, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Full-time position, 40 hours per week. Work 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.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
High school Diploma or GED (General Educational Development).
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience with:

• 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.

Your application should include the following:

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

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other 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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05591.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or t