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Fish Hatchery Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Fisheries Biologist

Seattle, WA ยท On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

This role supports ESA and NEPA evaluations of hatchery programs affecting ESA-listed salmon and steelhead. * This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance ...

Fisheries Science Analyst

Seattle, WA ยท On-site +1

$58K - $99K/yr

Conduct ESA effects analyses for harvest and hatchery management frameworks * Perform trend ... This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT ...

... FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle. Duties of the Fisheries Science Analyst will include the following: * Conduct ESA effects analyses for harvest and hatchery ...

Fish Hatchery information

See Renton, WA salary details

$3.2K

$5.8K

$10.1K

How much do fish hatchery jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average monthly pay for fish hatchery in Renton, WA is $5,848.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $3,750.00 and $6,983.33 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to work at a fish hatchery?

To work at a fish hatchery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include knowledge of aquatic biology, experience with hatchery equipment, and the ability to perform physical tasks in a laboratory or outdoor environment. Some positions may require certifications in water safety or handling hazardous materials.

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.

How much do fish hatcheries make?

Fish hatchery workers' salaries vary depending on location, experience, and job responsibilities, but typically range from $25,000 to $50,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced hatchery managers can earn over $60,000. Certifications in fish biology or aquaculture can enhance earning potential.

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.

How to get into fish hatchery work?

To work at a fish hatchery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from experience in biology, aquaculture, or related fields. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, knowledge of water quality management, and sometimes certifications in first aid or safety procedures. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteering can improve job prospects in this field.

What are fish hatcheries?

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.

Is working at a hatchery hard?

Working at a fish hatchery can be physically demanding and requires attention to detail, as employees often handle fish, maintain equipment, and monitor water quality. The job may involve early mornings, outdoor work, and adherence to safety protocols, but it generally depends on the specific role and environment. Skills in biology, patience, and teamwork are beneficial for success in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Hatchery jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Fish Hatchery jobs in Renton, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Fish Hatchery jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Fish Hatchery jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Fish Hatchery jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Fish Hatchery job openings:
Infographic showing various Fish Hatchery job openings in Renton, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,184 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Project Engineer - Fisheries (Mid-Level)

Kleinschmidt Group

Redmond, WA โ€ข On-site

$95K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Kleinschmidt has a full-time opening for a Project Engineer to support the design and construction of fish passage projects from either of our Maine, Pennsylvania, Washington, or Oregon offices. If you are interested in using your engineering background to work on important projects that make a real difference, then this may be the job for you. An ideal candidate would enjoy the challenge of combining sound engineering fundamentals with creative thinking to solve unique problems.

Salary: $95,000 - $112,000 annually

Who You Are

A licensed Professional Engineer (or commitment to becoming one) with a BS or BSc and a minimum of 6 years' experience in fisheries engineering or a closely related field. Previous experience with fisheries engineering work is preferred, but candidates with a structural (concrete and steel) design background who are interested in focusing on the fish passage design fields would be considered.

Knowledgeable: Knowledge of fisheries engineering guidelines, as well as an understanding of structural design standards and codes and hydraulic design principals is preferred. The candidate should have experience designing structural components and/or performing hydraulic analysis as part of a multi-discipline (e.g., civil, structural, hydraulics, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical engineering) team. Familiarity with regulatory and permitting processes for fisheries engineering projects is a plus, as is construction experience, fish hatchery experience, nature-like fishway experience, and design drawing development.

Innovative: No two fish passage projects are the same, so the ideal candidate will bring a creative, problem-solving mentality to each job. In addition, Kleinschmidt embraces 2-D and 3-D modeling, so experience with Revit, MEP, or AutoCAD is required to support collaboration within the design team.

Relationship-focused Team Player: Experience developing a design in consultation with other disciplines is required. Passion for learning from senior-level staff and other disciplines, while being part of a cohesive team, including delegating tasks to others. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team while applying engineering skills from analysis and design through to construction. Experience collaborating with regulators and biologists is a plus. Interest in establishing long-lasting relationships with clients to assist them in solving complex engineering challenges.

Additional Requirements

  • Must possess permanent authorization to work in the United States and able to acquire authorization to work in Canada when project needs dictate.
  • Must be willing to travel and possess a valid driver's license.
  • Must possess and maintain a PE (or be committed to getting licensed within a year) and be able to add other state/provincial licenses as required. Kleinschmidt provides support for PDH/CPD and PE.

About the Position

Typical duties of this position include serving a foundational role on multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and scientists in the delivery of fish passage projects, including technical fishways, nature-like fishways, and other structures associated with hydropower facilities. Tasks include performing structural design and/or hydraulic analysis in collaboration with other engineering disciplines in support of fisheries engineering projects. The successful candidate will join a team of technical professionals working on fisheries, hydropower, renewable energy, and ecological restoration projects in Canada and in the United States. The successful candidate will be supported and mentored by our senior engineers and principal engineers in the fields of fish passage, structural design, hydraulic analysis, and related facilities design while learning more about the adjacent engineering disciplines.

Discover Your Future at Kleinschmidt

At Kleinschmidt, we combine engineering expertise, regulatory know-how, and scientific skills to tackle the most challenging projects in renewable energy, water resources, and the natural environment. With over 50 years of experience, we stand out as one of North America's premier employee-owned consulting firms specializing in hydropower.

Our team thrives on passion and engagement, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. At Kleinschmidt, you'll find a vibrant community of professionals eager to share knowledge and help you achieve your career goals. We place technical excellence at the core of what we do, fostering an environment that prioritizes continuous learning and professional development. Join us and turn your potential into impactful solutions that define the future of our planet.

Our Process

Kleinschmidt strives to provide a great candidate experience. After careful review of resumes, we will notify those we are interested in interviewing. We may ask for more details with an initial screening. Our process normally involves two interviews. The top candidate will then be asked to provide 2-3 references and offered a benefits call, a unique step in our process where we describe our full benefits package. The final step is an offer sent via email.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Bonus Program
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) with 4% employer match and 100% immediate vesting
  • 10 Floating Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Short-Term Disability
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Ownership

It is our company policy and culture to provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender status, disability status, national origin, veteran status, and all other dimensions of diversity.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro