Cole Rivers Hatchery Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician) Underfill Option

State of Oregon; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Competitive benefits package

Advancement and learning opportunities

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hiring a seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician for the Trail, Oregon hatchery. The role runs December 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with live-on-site housing required if available.

Primary duties include fish rearing, releases, hatchery stock handling, and water system maintenance. Qualifications emphasize fish culture experience or an associate degree in Fisheries Technology, and the ability to operate and maintain equipment.

Qualifications

• Fish and Wildlife Technician Option 1: Eighteen months of fish culture (care of fish) experience. Six months of fisheries, fish screens, wildlife or related habitat work experience will count toward fish culture (care of fish) experience.
• Option 2: An Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology, Aquaculture or Aquarium Science; Note: A higher-level degree in Fisheries Science or a closely-related degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework will substitute for the Associate's degree.
• Minimum Qualifications: Fish and Wildlife Technician Entry Option Minimum qualifications are not established for this classification (there are no minimum qualifications). Previous related experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Fish rearing
• Fish liberations
• Handling of hatchery and wild adult brood stock
• Incubation and egg handling
• Water systems maintenance and operations
• Preventative and/or corrective maintenance using hand tools and power equipment
• Operate special equipment including pickup trucks, lawn tractors, generators, fish pumps, hydraulic lifts, gas and electric power tools, fork lifts, farm tractors with attachments
• Repair, construct or manufacture special tools, equipment, and/or structures (for fish culture use)
• Record keeping
• Meet and communicate with the public

Skills

Fish culture

Eggs & fry

Adult fish handling

Electronic equipment

Water systems

Welding

Carpentry

Plumbing

Education

Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology, Aquaculture or Aquarium Science

Higher-level degree in Fisheries Science substituting for Associate

Tools

Pickup trucks

Lawn tractors

Generators

Fish pumps

Hydraulic lifts

Power tools

Forklifts

Farm tractors

Job description

Help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfill its mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

We are hiring for one full-time, seasonal position located in Trail, Oregon. Duration: December 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (These are estimated dates. Length of season(s) may be shortened or extended depending on project needs, funding, or factors beyond the project’s control). The goal of this recruitment is to fill the positions at the Fish & Wildllike Technician (FWT) level. However, we encourage candidates to apply for the Fish & Wildllike Technician Entry level ($3515 - $4312/mo.) as the department may consider under-filling the positions.

What you will do

• Fish rearing
• Fish liberations
• Handling of hatchery and wild adult brood stock
• Incubation and egg handling
• Water systems maintenance and operations
• Preventative and/or corrective maintenance using hand tools and power equipment
• Operate special equipment including pickup trucks, lawn tractors, generators, fish pumps, hydraulic lifts, gas and electric power tools, fork lifts, farm tractors with attachments
• Repair, construct or manufacture special tools, equipment, and/or structures (for fish culture use)
• Record keeping
• Meet and communicate with the public

Note: this position will require the successful candidate to live onsite at the hatchery unless housing is not available.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. For a full review of the position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.

Minimum Qualifications

Fish and Wildlife Technician Option 1: Eighteen months of fish culture (care of fish) experience. Six months of fisheries, fish screens, wildlife or related habitat work experience will count toward fish culture (care of fish) experience.

Option 2: An Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology, Aquaculture or Aquarium Science; Note: A higher-level degree in Fisheries Science or a closely-related degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework will substitute for the Associate's degree.

Minimum Qualifications: Fish and Wildlife Technician Entry Option Minimum qualifications are not established for this classification (there are no minimum qualifications). Previous related experience is desirable.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with fish culture in a hatchery setting
• Experience working with eggs and fry
• Experience handling adult fish
• Experience operating and maintaining electronic or mechanical equipment
• Experience with water systems and maintenance
• Welding experience
• Carpentry experience
• Plumbing experience

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $3,798 - $5,193.

If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.

• 11 paid holidays a year and a competitive benefits package
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon

Union Representation

The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Eligibility & Compliance

• Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice.
• Finalists are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check.
• Driving is required for this position.
• Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration.
• Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• ODFW participates in E-Verify.
• ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships.
• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

EEO Statement

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Culture

Oregon is the place for you if you enjoy the outdoors. We have glaciated mountain peaks to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the massive Columbia River Gorge to the north. You can fish 365 days a year, and there is hunting for big game, waterfowl, and game birds. The Oregon coast attracts thousands of people who clam, crab and fish in the ocean for halibut, salmon, and tuna. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://youtu.be/8CjDPiPMGAk. Additional benefits include: 11 paid holidays a year and a competitive benefits package. Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon flies with her own wings.