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Fish Hatchery Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation

$18.96/hr

This class is the first working level of the fish culturist series. Incumbents may act as the technical project leader of a programmatic segment of a hatchery project. As senior technical specialists ...

The DPI Group

Fish Marking

Idleyld Park, OR

$19/hr

Do you enjoy working with fish? If you answered yes to both of these, then we have the perfect job! DPI Staffing is hiring for roles that help tag/mark fish to distinguish between hatchery and wild ...

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How much do fish hatchery worker jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Fish Hatchery Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fish Hatchery Worker jobs are:
Fish Hatchery Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fish Hatchery Worker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Temporary, 4% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 64% Physical, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Individual Placement - Fish Hatchery at Craig Brook National FH

Career Site

East Orland, ME • On-site

$400/wk

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Interns will learn all aspects of caring for endangered Atlantic salmon from seven populations and maintaining a modern conservation hatchery. Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery is the premier Atlantic salmon hatchery operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The opportunities to learn about Atlantic salmon, conservation efforts and cold-water fish culture are unparalleled.

Location

East Orland, ME

Schedule

Aug 24, 2026 - April 7, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

40%: Primary duties, performed throughout the internship period, include cleaning of rearing units, tanks and pools, rearing unit repairs, pressure washing rearing areas, grounds maintenance, and other general maintenance as required.
30%: Secondary duties include feeding juvenile and adult broodstock and learning to calculate feed rates, monitoring growth of future broodstock, conducting routine biological sampling, maintaining automated feeders and hand feed containers.
15%: Seasonal duties include releasing juvenile salmon [May], transporting adult salmon from a trapping facility to the hatchery [May - July], collecting biological samples for disease screening and genetic characterization [May - July], tagging juvenile future broodstock [July], electrofishing to collect juvenile salmon [September], and spawning adult Atlantic salmon [November - December].
10%: Interns will also assist with seasonal activities at Green Lake National Fish Hatchery including moving fry to outside rearing areas [May-June], collecting growth data and distributing parr amongst outside rearing areas [July-August], grading fall parr and parr distribution to the rivers [September].
5%: Opportunities to assist with other FWS, NPS, and State of Maine offices are currently being developed.

Marginal Duties

Craig Brook NFH has a large visitor center and actively engages the public. Interns will be asked to participate in/provide tours to the general public and visiting school groups. Interns may also be asked to participate in meetings of our friends group, local lake associations and our local 4H fishing club.

Required Qualifications

Course work: biology, ecology, fisheries science, aquaculture and related subjects.
Some experience in fisheries or aquaculture is strongly preferred.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

A strong interest in fisheries management, hatchery operation or aquaculture.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team of peers as well as on independent projects.
Willingness to work in challenging environmental conditions including heat, cold, uneven walking surfaces, and working in and around water [plan on getting wet a lot!].

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Shared on-site housing is a ranch-style house with co-ed living space, three private bedrooms and one bathroom. The house includes a full kitchen, furnished living room, and dining area. The house is outfitted with basic eating utensils, cooking equipment, microwave, toaster and coffeemaker. Interns are required to provide their own bedding (including sheets, blankets, comforters and pillows) and bath linens.

Compensation

$400 - Weekly Living Allowance; $1,100 - Relocation Travel Grant (car required). Housing provided on-site.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training
First Aid/CPR
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

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