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Fish Hatchery Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nature of Work Wildlife Resources Section/Spring Run Fish Hatchery Under general supervision of the ... Incumbent may be required to be a lead worker to small groups on specific projects. Incumbent must ...

About this Opportunity Reporting to a Teaching Professor, the Fish Hatchery Technician is ... Working Conditions * Work is primarily performed indoors in controlled research settings with ...

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Fish Hatchery Worker information

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$12

$23

$31

How much do fish hatchery worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for fish hatchery worker in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fish Hatchery Workers, and how can they be overcome?

Fish Hatchery Workers often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, preventing disease outbreaks among fish populations, and managing the physical demands of the job. Addressing these challenges requires close attention to water testing and filtration systems, adherence to biosecurity protocols, and continuous monitoring of fish health. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues are key to efficiently managing workloads and responding quickly to any issues that arise.

What are fish hatchery workers?

Fish hatchery workers are professionals responsible for breeding, raising, and caring for fish in controlled environments, such as hatcheries. Their main duties include monitoring water quality, feeding fish, cleaning tanks, and assisting with the spawning and harvesting processes. They play a crucial role in supporting fish populations for commercial, recreational, and conservation purposes by ensuring healthy fish stocks. Fish hatchery workers often work with species such as salmon, trout, or catfish, depending on the region and the goals of the hatchery.

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

To thrive as a Fish Hatchery Worker, you generally need knowledge of aquatic biology, fish husbandry, and basic maintenance skills, with a high school diploma or relevant vocational training being typical entry requirements. Familiarity with water quality testing kits, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is often expected. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong teamwork are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure healthy fish populations, maintain proper hatchery operations, and support environmental conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Fish Hatchery Worker vs Fish Farm Technician?

AspectFish Hatchery WorkerFish Farm Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certifications in fish handling or hatchery operationsHigh school diploma; certifications in aquaculture or fish health are common
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor hatchery facilities, handling fish eggs and larvaeFish farms or aquaculture facilities, managing fish growth and health
Industry UsagePrimarily in hatchery settings for fish conservation and stockingIn aquaculture production for commercial fish farming

Both roles involve working with fish in controlled environments, but Fish Hatchery Workers focus on breeding and hatchery operations, while Fish Farm Technicians manage fish growth and health on farms. The skills and certifications overlap, but their work settings and primary responsibilities differ.

More about Fish Hatchery Worker jobs
What states have the most Fish Hatchery Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Fish Hatchery Worker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fish Hatchery Worker 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 $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Fish Hatchery Manager I

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$5.3K - $6.6K/mo

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to take the next step in providing angling opportunities for fishermen in Central California?
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Mountain Range, San Joaquin Hatchery is conveniently situated between the outdoor recreation of the Sierras, and the Fresno/Clovis metropolitan area in the small town of Friant, Ca.
The hatchery is looking for a motivated individual to lead a crew in fulfilling program goals throughout the central region. This position will helm the day to day duties at a large trout and inland salmon production facility. This will include the organization, scheduling, supervision and training of up to ten employees in the proper incubation, treatment, hatching, rearing and release of salmonids. The Fish Hatchery Manager I, in coordination with the Manager II, will also monitor inventories of fish on hand, supervisor water quality sampling, and ensure that that feed quantities are sufficient to achieve production goals.
For a full list of duties, please see the attached duty statement for this position.
Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.
Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:
Personal Leave Program - Human Resources - CalHR .
Link to Fish Hatchery Manager I Exam: CalCareers
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Working conditions will alternate between sitting at a desk for an 8 hour period, and fieldwork in inclement weather, dependant on the program needs at the time.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • FISH HATCHERY MANAGER I
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-525713
Position #(s):
565-443-0782-502
Working Title:
Fish Hatchery Manager I
Classification:
FISH HATCHERY MANAGER I $5,323.00 - $6,661.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Fresno County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.
California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.
Join us and begin a meaningful new career!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements A willingness to travel throughout the state and work unusual hours as needed. The ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat for 5 minutes.
The ability to move up to 40 pounds across uneven terrain.
Willingness to wear a prescribed uniform
This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/31/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address (PO Box)
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento , CA 94244
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Closed Drop Off Location
Human Resources Branch
Temporarily Closed
See Filing Instructions
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications -
    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.
    Using size 12 point, Arial font and no more than two pages, Please provide examples and descriptions of why you are the best candidate for this position.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
The hatchery would like to see candidates with the ability to efficiently, effectively, and safely operate a large scale production facility. Candidates should be able to provide clear and concise communication, with the capability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
Skills that support record keeping and preparation of technical reports, establishment and maintenance of cooperative relationships,
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Calvin Gooch
(559) 417-5949
calvin.gooch@wildlife.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Civil Rights Office
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Filing Instructions
You must reference Position Number 565-443-0782-502 and RPA Number E-R4 H 25-004 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.
It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.
Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.
This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.
Resume - Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.