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

State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Washington; On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a Fish Hatchery Technician for the Marblemount Hatchery in Skagit County. This full-time, non-permanent position supports basic maintenance, technical, and scientific duties as juvenile salmon and trout are rearer.

Work involves outdoor duties in all weather, operating hatchery equipment, feeding fish, monitoring health, and ensuring safety.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Associate’s degree or higher in fisheries or a closely related field is preferred.
• Two years hatchery experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain hatchery facilities and equipment.
• Perform fish culture activities including feeding and monitoring health.
• Clean ponds, raceways, and incubator systems to keep fish healthy.
• Conduct inventories, weight samples, and tagging checks as needed.

Skills

Two years hatchery experience

Fish culture techniques knowledge

Math skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

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.

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:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• 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 must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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