Fish Hatchery Technician - Marblemount Hatchery - Non-Permanent - 2026-07839

State of Washington; Anacortes (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is seeking a Fish Hatchery Technician for the Marblemount Hatchery in Skagit County. The role involves assisting with hatchery operations, maintaining facilities, and handling basic fish culture tasks to rear juvenile salmon and trout.

The position is full-time for a 4-month term, with potential for occasional after-hours work. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Associate’s degree or higher in fisheries or closely related field (preferred).
• Two years of hatchery experience (preferred).
• Knowledge of basic fish culture and rearing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain hatchery facility and equipment.
• Perform fish culture activities including feeding and monitoring health.
• Conduct inventories, grading, weight sampling, and plantings.
• Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensure secure rearing areas.
• Scan fish using CWT wands and PIT detectors.
• Interact with the public as needed.

Skills

Basic fish culture techniques

Math for quantities

Physical stamina

Valid Driver’s License

Outlook/Excel familiarity

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in fisheries or closely related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Job description

Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 4 Months– October 16, 2026 – February 15, 2027 WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division Duty Station- Marblemount Hatchery – Marblemount, Washington – Skagit County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Winter at Marblemount Hatchery – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about fisheries and eager to contribute to our hatchery operations? Be a part of fish conservation efforts in Washington state while gaining valuable hands‑on experience.

Assist with basic maintenance, technical, and scientific duties at the Marblemount Hatchery as we rear juvenile salmon and trout.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Technician will,

Operate and Maintain the Facility and Equipment:

• Clean and pressure wash empty fish rearing vessels.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around the hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
• Operate tractors, yard maintenance equipment, and common power tools.
• Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery-related equipment.
• Wear and use employee safety equipment as directed including inspecting, cleaning, and repairing the equipment.

Perform Fish Culture:

• Feed fish according to the feeding schedule and weight samples.
• Monitor fish behavior and health, remove egg and fish production mortalities, and disinfect equipment.
• Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Perform inventories, splits, grading, weight samples, and plants.
• Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensure rearing areas are secure.
• Scan fish for various tags using coded wire tag (CWT) wands, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detectors, and other tag-associated equipment.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is typically performed outside in all weather conditions. Perform strenuous physical activities, such as frequently lifting and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds (such as bags of fish feed or salt). Use a respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at the facility. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:

May be required to travel around hatchery grounds or between facilities to accomplish business needs.

Tools and Equipment:

Power and hand tools, lawn care and welding equipment, vehicles/machinery (such as passenger vehicles, tractors, UTVs), water sampling instruments, fish and trash pumps, pressure washers, small gas engines, and computers.

Customer Interactions:

Will interact with members of the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Associate’s degree or higher in fisheries or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in a hatchery setting.
• Knowledge of basic fish culture techniques and rearing procedures.
• Basic skills in computer software, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Basic skills in math, to calculate and understand quantities and proportions.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFHP:

These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [e-mail].
• Veterans only –Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line