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Fish Hatchery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation

$21.26/hr

Fish Culturist II functions as part of the hatchery operations team in the cultivating and rearing of fish. Under supervision, initiates, supervises and performs complex professional or technical ...

State of Pennsylvania

Fish Culturist 1

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$18.83 - $27.69/hr

Fish & Boat Reynoldsdale State Fish Hatchery Worksite Address: 162 Fish Hatchery Road City: New Paris, Pennsylvania Zip Code: 15554 Contact Name: Scott Hobbie Contact Email: shobbie@pa.gov THE ...

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania

Fish Culturist 1

Loganton, PA · On-site

$18.83 - $27.69/hr

DESCRIPTION OF WORK As a Fish Culturist 1, you will be responsible for supporting hatchery operations by assisting with the propagation, care, and stocking of fish. This role provides training in ...

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State of Pennsylvania

Fish Culturist 1

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$18.83 - $27.69/hr

Fish & Boat Tylersville State Fish Hatchery Worksite Address: 43 Hatchery Lane City: Loganton, Pennsylvania Zip Code: 17747 Contact Name: Scott Hobbie Contact Email: shobbie@pa.gov THE POSITION Do ...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish Biologist

Whiteriver, AZ · On-site +1

$61K - $80K/yr

Alchesay National Fish Hatchery is just one of the many field stations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whose mission is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and ...

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Fish Hatchery information

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$9K

How much do fish hatchery jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average monthly pay for fish hatchery in the United States is $5,199.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $3,333.33 and $6,208.33 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.
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Fish Hatchery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fish Hatchery job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,395 per year, or $30 per hour.
Fish Culturist II (Offgrid Hatchery) - MBH

Fish Culturist II (Offgrid Hatchery) - MBH

Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation

On-site

$21.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description
The Fish Culturist II is a regular, full-time position with benefits. Position is available at the remote, off-grid facility, Main Bay Hatchery (MBH), located about 1 hour southeast of Whittier, AK by boat. The Main Bay Hatchery is a sockeye salmon facility that releases approximately 10-11 million smolt every year.
BENEFITS
  • Health/Vision/Dental Insurance (no monthly premium cost)
  • Life Insurance (no monthly cost)
  • 100% employee vested 403(b) Retirement Plan, 6% employer match after 1 yr of service
  • 5+ Weeks Annual Leave
  • Annual Leave Travel Assistance
  • Work Wear Allowance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Employer-Provided Housing

Position Title: Fish Culturist II
Category: Full time, Regular
Payroll Classification: Hourly, Non-exempt
Organizational Unit: Hatchery Operations
Location: Remote (off-grid), Hatchery or Field Station
Customary Work Hours: Variable, Based on 40-hour workweek (infrequent overtime)
Wage Range: $21.26 - 28.63/hour Determined Based on Experience
Basic Function: Fish Culturist II functions as part of the hatchery operations team in the cultivating and rearing of fish. Under supervision, initiates, supervises and performs complex professional or technical field, laboratory, or office work, or directs major segments in various phases of hatchery operations. Independent judgment is exercised with written procedural approaches and only unique and complex situations referred to the supervisor.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This class is the senior working level of the fish culturist series. Incumbents perform a variety of complex fish culturist tasks and may act as the technical project leader of a hatchery project. Independent judgment and performance is exercised in initiating and/or implementing hatchery projects, processes and schedules. Incumbents may supervise technical personnel.
Fish Culturist II is distinguished from the I level in that incumbents manage hatchery projects and serve as acting manager of the hatchery in the absence of the Hatchery Manager and the Assistant Manager.
Description of duties and tasks:
  • Fish propagation: Enumerating, caring, killing, spawning and disposing of carcasses; preparing, cleaning and maintaining incubator; monitoring and maintaining water quality; loading, enumerating, picking and caring for egg/alevin; rearing, enumerating and setting up outmigration of fry; perform other general duties associated with fish culture operations.
  • Fish Harvest: Preparing, repairing and maintaining harvest equipment; loading, transporting, caring for and unloading harvest pens; collecting and recording fish harvest management data.
  • Prepares feeding and rearing schedules based on calculated growth rates; prepares feed; supervises and/ or performs necessary feeding activities.
  • Establishes fish loading densities, oxygen delivery levels, and water temperature control measures for the transport of fish via specialized containers.
  • Supervises and participates in egg-taking, egg care, otolith marking, and outmigration operations that meet prescribed performance standards.
  • Maintains and adjusts calculated quantities, temperatures, and dissolved gas levels of water supplies to provide desired quality, quantity, and temperature to incubation and rearing units. Takes water samples. Cleans water and bacterial filters, ponds, troughs, tanks, incubators, screens, and work areas.
  • Analyzes data, facts, and information, and draws logical conclusions. Performs data entry or analysis using computers and software.
  • Performs gross examination of fish for diseases or nutritional disorders and reports results.
  • Operates and adjusts hatchery apparatus such as pressurized water filters, automatic fish feeders, electronic egg and fish counters, electronic measuring devices, and ultraviolet and ozone depuration equipment.
  • Assists higher level operations staff in conducting various biological studies such as rearing, ecology observations, lake surveys, and marked fish recovery.
  • Takes samples from commercial fisheries catches for data on species, size, age and sex composition; collects scales, otoliths, ovaries or other biological specimens, scale mounting.
  • Performs simple functions in the areas of personnel, procurement and supply to maintain a steady workflow for daily scheduled tasks.
  • Assists Hatchery Manager in the area of supply procurement and quarterly ordering as it applies to project budgets.
  • Recommends procedures, techniques and new equipment to improve work efficiencies or adaptation to new techniques.
  • Effectively interacts with public and directs inquiries to appropriate department or persons.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of fish hatchery operations and procedures.
  • Principles and practices of aquaculture, collection and care of aquatic biological specimens.
  • Fish life in Alaska, including the kinds, distribution and importance of various species, their habitats and requirements.
  • Methods of preparing fisheries development and improvement projects.
  • Data processing equipment.
  • Principles of planning, organizing and/ or conducting research.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work.
  • Do routine maintenance and care of tools and equipment and make minor repairs.
  • Analyze biological data, facts of information and draw logical conclusions.
  • Conduct studies by analyzing and evaluating results and preparing reports.
  • Understand and carry out detailed technical instructions.
  • Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Operate laboratory equipment, perform routine laboratory tests and maintain records.
  • Train and lead lower level technicians.
  • Meet and assist the public courteously.

Essential Functions: Work performed at any hatchery or remote location as needed. Must be able to move about freely; work outdoors in all weather conditions; ability to lift and carry 50 pounds; ability to climb stairs and ladders; ability to climb aboard and about vessels and small aircraft; work around water - on docks and floats; use telephones and computers unimpaired. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. Must be able to hear and see to receive verbal and written instructions.
Disclaimer: Duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list, and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time. The scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in fisheries science or a closely related field
  2. One year of experience as an advanced level fish and wildlife technician or aide or Fish Culturist I.
  3. Must have a current driver's license

Substitutions:
  • A post-graduate degree in a fisheries related field or in aquaculture or mariculture will substitute for the one year of experience as an advanced level fish and wildlife technician or aide or Fish Culturist I.
  • An Associates of Science or Associates of Applied Science degrees in the areas of aquaculture, biology, fisheries, wildlife, or marine technologies and 2 years of experience as an advanced level fish and wildlife technician or aide or Fish Culturist I will substitute for the required Bachelor's degree.

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