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Fish Hatchery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hatchery Biologist

Orland, IN · On-site

$42.90K/yr

DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing ... This hatchery has statewide fish production responsibilities and stocked fish from this hatchery ...

DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing ... This hatchery has statewide fish production responsibilities and stocked fish from this hatchery ...

Fish Marker

Quinault, WA · On-site

$22.70/hr

Fish Marker / Fin Clipper at Quinault Fish Hatchery Ready to dive into something new? If you're a nature enthusiast and an early bird, this is your chance to make waves in a truly unique role! What ...

$18.96/hr

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

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Fish Hatchery information

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$2.8K

$5.2K

$9K

How much do fish hatchery jobs pay per month?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Fish Hatchery jobs? Cities with the most Fish Hatchery job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Hatchery jobs? The most popular types of Fish Hatchery jobs are:
What states have the most Fish Hatchery jobs? States with the most job openings for Fish Hatchery jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fish Hatchery jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fish Hatchery jobs are:
Infographic showing various Fish Hatchery job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% Physical, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,395 per year, or $30 per hour.

TPWD - Manager IV (Fish Hatchery Manager)

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Graford, TX • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Texas Parks & Wildlife Department rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 640 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

  
EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

PLEASE NOTE

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include:

  • Job Title

  • Dates of employment (month/year)

  • Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor Description of duties performed

  • Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement.  Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. 

  • Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.

  • College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) if education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting. A copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview. 

  • Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

  • Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility

  • Work In Texas (WIT) Applications: WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit.

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

 

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Manager I-VII

Army

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Manager I-VII

Navy

111X, 112X, 113X, 114X, 611X, 612X, 621X, 631X, 632X, 641X, 648X

Manager I-VII

Coast Guard

SEI15

Manager I-VII

Marine Corps

0203, 0207, 0302, 0520, 5502, 0602, 0802, 1802, 6302, 6502, 7202, 7208, 7210, 7220

Manager I-VII

Air Force

8U000, 9G100, 16GX, 41AX, 86M0, 86P0

Manager I-VII

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

  • Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

  • Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

  • Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

HIRING CONTACT: Neil Pugliese, (940) 779-2301, Email: neil.pugliese@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery, 401 Red Bluff Rd., Graford, TX 76449

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Program Director, this position performs highly complex (senior-level) managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of an agency's business function, division, or department. Responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and operating a state fish hatchery, including fish propagation, fish distribution, production data analysis, and maintenance of facilities. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of subordinates at the hatchery. Work includes conducting and overseeing research to improve hatchery operations and natural resource management and analyzing and evaluating results regarding the impact on hatchery operations and natural resources. Performs natural resources work including conducting natural resources surveys, investigative research, studies, and inspections; conducting field or laboratory tests; and analyzing and evaluating results regarding the impact on natural resources. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency and Division rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Natural Resources or closely related Biological Science.

Experience:

Three years of progressive experience as a hatchery biologist.

One year supervisory or team lead experience. 

NOTE: Experience as a TPWD Assistant District Team Lead/biologist counts towards supervisory or team lead experience.

NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.

Licensure:       

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class "C" Texas driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Fisheries Science or related biological sciences may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science or related biological sciences may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or PhD in Fisheries Science or related Biological Science. 

Experience:

Four years of experience as a Natural Resources Specialist IV.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of warm water and cold-water fish hatchery operations and maintenance.

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with fish hatchery operations and water intake and discharge.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.

Skill in interacting and communicating orally and in writing on technical issues to diverse groups, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff, the public, and other governmental agencies.

Skill in reviewing, interpreting, summarizing, and commenting on technical documents.

Skill in using graphics, databases, and statistical and analytical programs.

Skill in planning, assigning, and/or supervising the work of others.

Skill in planning and tracking budgets.

Skill in designing, planning, and conducting large or complex facility and equipment maintenance and repair projects.

Skill in analyzing fish production data and preparing concise reports and technical publications.

Ability to schedule and organize fish culture activities.

Ability to enter, edit, and maintain biological data on agency databases.

Ability to recognize symptoms of fish disease and respond appropriately when disease is identified in production ponds.

Ability to conduct research to resolve fish production problems.

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.

Ability to supervise the work of others.

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to live on-site in State housing with a monthly deduction of $223.52.  Housing rates are established by TPWD policy, calculated using federal guidelines, and may change according to market value.

Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Required to work overtime, as necessary.

Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, as necessary.

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.

Required to operate a State vehicle.

Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


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