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

State of Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington, Mossyrock Hatchery, is seeking a Fish Hatchery Technician to support hatchery operations and work outdoors in all weather. The role includes feeding fish, cleaning equipment, weighing eggs, and performing basic maintenance to ensure production goals are met.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with variable scheduling and potential evenings or weekends based on seasonal needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Preferred: experience in a hatchery setting.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Knowledge of water dynamics (flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature).
• Experience calibrating instruments (scales, dissolved oxygen meters).
• Basic math skills and ability to perform 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 brushes.
• Distribute feed from bags into buckets to feed fish.
• Use dip nets, suction hose, and 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 on hatchery equipment.
• Weigh and count salmonid eggs or juvenile fish to determine size.

Skills

Fish hatchery experience

Basic math

Outlook

Excel

Water dynamics knowledge

Tool safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Measuring scales

Dissolved oxygen meters

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

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:

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:

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

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:

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.

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 [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.