Fish Hatchery Technician - Mossyrock Hatchery - Non-Permanent - 2026-09172

State of Washington

Centralia (WA)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 56,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

State of Washington in Mossyrock, WA is seeking a Fish Hatchery Technician to support production goals at Mossyrock Hatchery. The role offers full-time hours, outdoor work in all weather, and hands-on experience in hatchery operations, fish handling, and equipment maintenance.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and a willingness to work varied shifts with potential evenings or weekends. Join a team focused on fish conservation and public service.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.
Experience in a hatchery setting.
Experience with basic fish culture techniques and rearing procedures.
Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
Knowledge of water dynamics (flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature).
Experience calibrating specialized instruments (scales, dissolved oxygen meters).
Basic math skills, including basic calculations, quantities, and proportions.
Experience safely using and maintaining tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

Clean rearing vessels and incubators using pond vacuum, pressure washer, fire hose, and various brushes.
Distribute feed from bags into buckets to feed fish.
Use dip nets, suction hose, and/or egg pickers to remove morbid fish and eggs from a healthy population.
Clean intakes, pond screens, hatchery buildings, and vehicles.
Perform grounds maintenance and minor repairs/services on hatchery equipment.
Weigh and count salmonid eggs or juvenile fish to determine size.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Job description

Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Anticipated Appointment Length- 6 Months – December 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division

Duty Station- Mossyrock Hatchery – Mossyrock, Washington – Lewis County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Spring Chinook Smolts – 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.

In this role, you will provide assistance to help reach and achieve program production goals at the Mossyrock Hatchery.

What to Expect

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

Clean rearing vessels and incubators using pond vacuum, pressure washer, fire hose, and various brushes.
Distribute feed from bags into buckets to feed fish.
Use dip nets, suction hose, and/or egg pickers to remove morbid fish and eggs from a healthy population.
Clean intakes, pond screens, hatchery buildings, and vehicles.
Perform grounds maintenance and minor repairs/services on hatchery equipment.
Weigh and count salmonid eggs or juvenile fish to determine size.

Working Conditions

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed outside in all weather conditions. Perform strenuous physical activities including repetitively lifting or moving feed bags and hatchery equipment weighing at least 44 pounds. 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.

Schedule

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday – Friday scheduling. 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. The appointment may be extended due to business needs.

Travel Requirements

Travel Requirements: Drive an agency vehicle around the hatchery grounds and to other hatchery locations to accomplish business needs.

Tools and Equipment

Tools and Equipment: Hand and power tools, lawn care equipment (including lawn mower, leaf blower, weed eater), measuring scales, trash pumps, egg picking machines, forklift, tractor, passenger vehicles, diesel and gas generators, small gas engines, computer, and personal protective equipment.

Customer Interactions

Customer Interactions: Interact with members of the public and answer questions from visitors or outside entities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.

Certifications / Licenses

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a hatchery setting.
Experience with basic fish culture techniques and rearing procedures.
Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software.
Knowledge of water dynamics (flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature).
Experience calibrating specialized instruments (scales, dissolved oxygen meters).
Basic math skills, including basic calculations, quantities, and proportions.
Experience safely using and maintaining tools and equipment.

Your application must include the following

A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
An up-to-date resume.
A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
At least three professional references with current contact information.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
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.

Request an accommodation

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.