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Fish Hatchery Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fish Hatchery information

See California salary details

$2.8K

$5.1K

$8.8K

How much do fish hatchery jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average monthly pay for fish hatchery in California is $5,131.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $3,291.67 and $6,125.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fish hatchery?

Fish hatcheries are specialized facilities where fish are bred, hatched, and raised during their early life stages before being released into natural bodies of water or stocked for aquaculture. Their main goal is to support the conservation of fish populations, enhance recreational fishing opportunities, or provide fish for commercial purposes. Hatcheries play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable fish populations and helping to restore endangered or depleted species.

What are the qualifications to work in a fish hatchery?

The primary qualifications for fish hatchery jobs depend on the position. For example, if you want to manage a hatchery, expect employers to ask for a bachelor's degree in a relevant aquatic field and several years of experience with fish culture, including knowledge of sampling techniques and data collection. If you want to operate and maintain equipment, companies usually look for an associate degree from a technical college, one to two years of experience, and the ability to determine facility needs to meet production goals. Some companies are willing to accept additional experience in lieu of a college degree. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a fish hatchery job requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to work in a variety of weather conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by fish hatchery technicians, and how can they be managed on the job?

Fish hatchery technicians often contend with challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, preventing disease outbreaks among fish populations, and managing seasonal fluctuations in workload. Addressing these issues typically involves closely monitoring environmental parameters, following strict biosecurity protocols, and working collaboratively with other team members to ensure the health and productivity of the hatchery. Strong organizational skills and adaptability are essential, as daily tasks may change based on the needs of the fish stock and hatchery operations.

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 aquatic biology, fish husbandry, and environmental science, often supported by a degree or relevant work experience. Familiarity with water quality testing equipment, feeding systems, and hatchery management software is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure the health of fish populations, efficient hatchery operations, and compliance with environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Fish Hatchery vs Fish Biologist?

AspectFish HatcheryFish Biologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsBachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related field; advanced roles may require a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentFish farms, hatchery facilities, outdoor settingsResearch labs, field sites, aquatic environments
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, aquaculture companies, conservation programsResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental organizations

While both roles involve working with fish, a Fish Hatchery focuses on breeding, raising, and releasing fish in controlled environments, often for conservation or commercial purposes. A Fish Biologist conducts research, studies fish populations, and develops conservation strategies. The two roles share some credentials and work environments but differ in their primary focus and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Hatchery jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fish Hatchery jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Fish Hatchery jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fish Hatchery jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fish Hatchery jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fish Hatchery job openings:

Infographic showing various Fish Hatchery job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,578 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Fish Hatchery Manager I

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$5.3K - $6.6K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Do you want to support California's natural resources in the work you perform every day? You can have an impact by working collaboratively to help fulfill the Department of Fish and Wildlife's mission. The Department of Fish and Wildlife's Northern Region is seeking a motivated individual to work as a Fish Hatchery Manager I at our Trinity River Hatchery.
Trinity River Hatchery is looking to recruit a new Fish Hatchery Manager I. They will be responsible for the supervision of 1 Fish Habitat Assistant, 5 Fish and Wildlife Technicians and 3 Seasonal Aids. Supervising daily activities of a large complex salmon and steelhead hatchery with responsibility's of meeting mitigation goals and complying with the Hatchery Genetics Management Plan (HGMP) while working with mitigator's. Assisting and over seeing spawning practices and techniques, spawning in accordance to the Hatchery Genetics Management Plan (HGMP) spawning matrix, vehicle, equipment and grounds maintenance, and hatchery practices. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water monitoring and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) monitoring and reporting. This individual will complete various reports, maintain crew moral and oversee the daily operations of Trinity River Hatchery.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.
Class Title: Fish Hatchery Manager I
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 .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Ability to use a computer keyboard several hours a day. Involves sitting, standing, walking and manual labor. Must be willing to live and work in remote areas and wear a prescribed uniform. Work weekends, holidays and unusual hours as assigned, required or necessary in emergency to keep live fish product alive and work in extreme weather conditions of snow and heat. Willing to work away from hatchery as required for fieldwork, remote spawning, and fish habitat improvement projects. Periodic required use of respirators, participation in the Departments respirator protection program and other required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training and certification. Occasional travel up to 5% may be required. Currently, State Owned Housing is not available and standby is not required.
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-529777
Position #(s):
565-143-0782-506
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:
Trinity 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 Ability to swim at least 50 yards and to stay afloat at least five minutes; good physical condition, and ability to lift 40 ponds.
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: 9/3/2026
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
HRB Drop-Off Address (Exams)
Human Resources
715 P Street, 16th Floor Suite 300
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
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:
Skill to apply principles and practices for hatchery operations, fish culture practices, wear prescribed uniform and provide leadership of staff, inter agency and tribal cooperation and hatchery representative at meetings. Demonstrated ability to act independently, open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact.
Knowledge of fish culture, spawning operations, and hatchery logistics. Plan, organize and direct the work of staff on a daily basis. Strong Communication and record keeping skills. Computer skills of Word, Access, Excel and Outlook. Maintenance and constructions skills for vehicle, equipment, and facility maintenance.
Special Personal Characteristics: Willingness to work throughout the State; willingness to work unusual hours and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
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:
Amy Knabe
(530) 778-3931
Amy.knabe@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 565-143-0782-506 and RPA Number E-R1 FH 25-020 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.
All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.
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.