Fish Hatchery Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician) Underfill Option

Oregon Inc; Astoria (OR); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

ODFW seeks a Fish Hatchery Technician at the Big Creek Hatchery in Astoria, Oregon. You will care for fish through the hatchery cycle, perform grounds and equipment upkeep, and support hatchery operations to meet management goals.

Minimum qualifications include an Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology or equivalent, plus fish culture experience. The role offers seasonal employment with a possibility of underfill at entry level; salary ranges are posted and location is Astoria.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology, Aquaculture or Aquarium Science.
• Eighteen months fish culture experience; six months fisheries/wildlife habitat experience counts toward this experience.
• Equivalency notes: higher-level degree with 45 quarter (30 semester) hours biol. coursework can substitute.

Responsibilities

• Fish rearing and brood stock handling.
• Incubation and egg handling; water systems maintenance.
• Preventive/corrective maintenance with hand tools and power equipment.
• Repair or manufacture tools/equipment for fish culture use.
• Complete written reports; hatchery tours.

Skills

Fish culture

Water systems

Egg incubation

Equipment maintenance

Data recording

Public interaction

Teamwork

Education

Associate's degree in Fisheries Technology

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 11/04/2026 Application Deadline: 11/11/2026 Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife Salary Range: $3,798 - $5,193 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Fish Hatchery Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician) Underfill Option

Job Description: Hiring one seasonal position with anticipated duration of January 1, 2027 – August 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).

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.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

As a Fish Hatchery Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician) at the Big Creek Hatchery in Astoria, Oregon, you will provide the support for the work unit in a technical manner by caring for fish through the complete hatchery cycle and performing maintenance on grounds and equipment and performing other duties within a fish hatchery environment to achieve assigned 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.

For a full review of the position details, duties and working conditions,

The goal of this recruitment is to fill the positions at the Fish & Wildlife Technician (FWT) level. However, we encourage candidates to apply for the Fish & Wildlife Technician Entry level ($3515- $4312/mo.) as the department may consider under-filling the position.

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your application materials. We cannot accept additional application materials after the application deadline. These materials determine whether you move forward in the selection process and help establish your starting salary. Be sure your work and education history is accurate, thorough, and fully reflects your skills and experience, even if they do not seem directly related to the position.

Equal Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job

What we are looking for

Minimum Qualifications Fish and Wildlife Technician ($3798 - $5193)

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

Fish and Wildlife Technician Entry Option ($3515 - $4312): 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
• Fish rearing experience
• Incubation and egg handing experience
• Experience handling adult fish
• Experience with water systems and maintenance
• Experience with the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and tools.
• Experience collecting and recording data
• Experience working with the public
• Experience working in a team environment

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

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%.

This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified people to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.

State of Oregon Employees, must apply through their employee Workday account.

Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

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. 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 are 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.'