Fish Hatchery Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

11 paid holidays

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

The State of Oregon, Department of Fish and Wildlife, seeks a Fish Hatchery Technician at the Big Creek Hatchery in Astoria, OR. This full-time role supports hatchery operations, caring for fish through production cycles and contributing to production goals.

Housing is provided. The department offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for advancement within Oregon's outdoors-focused workforce.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology, Aquaculture or Aquarium Science.
• 18 months of fish culture (care of fish) experience with related habitat work counted.

Responsibilities

• Fish rearing and care of fish through the hatchery production cycle.
• Handling anadromous adult salmonid brood stock and egg/incubation work.
• Maintain water systems and perform routine maintenance.
• Complete written reports and provide hatchery tours.

Skills

Fish culture

Hatchery operations

Data collection

Public engagement

Education

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

18 months of fish culture experience

Job description

Position Title

Fish Hatchery Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician)

Initial Posting Date

11/04/2026

Application Deadline

11/18/2026

Agency

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range

$3,798 - $5,193

Salary Information

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

Position Type

Employee

Job Description

Housing is provided for this position

Join the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and help fulfill our mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

Duties

As a permanent Fish Hatchery Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician) at the Big Creek Hatchery in Astoria, Oregon, you will provide essential technical support to hatchery operations by caring for fish throughout the entire hatchery production cycle. Through these efforts, you will contribute to the successful achievement of established fish production and management goals. These duties include:

• Fish rearing
• Handling of anadromous adult salmonid brood stock
• Incubation and egg handling
• Water systems maintenance and operations
• Perform preventive and/or corrective maintenance using hand tools and power equipment
• Repair, construct or manufacture special tools, equipment, and/or structures for fish culture use
• Complete written reports
• Give hatchery tours

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Option 1: An Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology, Aquaculture or Aquarium Science;

OR

Option 2: Eighteen months of fish culture (care of fish) experience. Six months of fisheries, wildlife or related habitat work experience will count toward this experience.

Equivalency Notes

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.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with fish culture in a hatchery setting
• Fish rearing experience
• Incubation and egg handing experience
• Experience handling adult fish
• Experience with water systems and maintenance
• Experience operating electronic or mechanical equipment
• Experience collecting and recording data
• Experience working with the public

Benefits Of Joining Our Team

ODFW is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce as we strive to represent and better serve our neighboring communities. Our most important asset is our employees, and each person brings unique, different, and important contributions to the workplace and community we serve. With Oregon’s changing demographics, a workforce that reflects this change will make us stronger and create an opportunity for better decision making.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is the place for you. 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://myodfw.com/about

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

Additional Information

• 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. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice
• Finalists are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. 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. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation |Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and at myodfw.com and http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

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