Hatchery Laborer (Laborer/Student Worker)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a Hatchery Laborer (Laborer/Student Worker) for Elk River Hatchery in Port Orford, Oregon. You will assist technicians with sampling and feeding fish, move and handle fish, and help with brood stock and spawning activities.

You will also maintain hatchery water systems, operate equipment, and assist with general duties to meet production goals. This temporary position runs through January 31, 2027, with funding possibly extending.

Qualifications

• Experience with fish or hatcheries.
• Experience with landscaping and grounds maintenance.
• Experience operating electronic or mechanical equipment.
• Maintenance and repair experience.
• Experience interacting with the public.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians with sampling and feeding fish.
• Move and handle fish to mark, load, transfer, or release.
• Collect adults: ready spawning area and equipment, and have necessary material and supplies on hand.
• Assist technicians with brood stock to determine sex, maturity, ripeness, and health.
• Assist technicians with spawning adults by anesthetizing, taking eggs and sperm.
• Move adults as needed.
• Shock, pick, clean up, treat and inventory eggs.
• Remove egg shells and record mortalities.
• Maintain hatchery water systems in cleaning intake by cleaning debris from screens using small hand tools.
• Maintain hatchery rearing and incubation environments by cleaning and assisting technicians in minor repairs.
• Operate special equipment including utility vehicles, lawn tractors, gas and electric power tools, pressure washer, and farm tractor with attachments.
• Use and maintain pond cleaning implements and mortality pickers, crowders, dipnets, egg and fry care tools and devices.
• Set up, maintain, and periodically clean rearing containers.

Skills

Fish hatcheries experience

Landscaping & grounds maintenance

Electronic/mechanical equipment

Maintenance & repair experience

Public interaction experience

Tools

Equipment operation tools

Job description

Position Title

Hatchery Laborer (Laborer/Student Worker)

Initial Posting Date

09/08/2026

Application Deadline

09/15/2026

Agency

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range

$3,515 - $4,124

Position Type

Employee

Job Description

Hiring one temporary position with anticipated duration through January 31, 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).

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! We especially encourage students, early career professionals, and anyone interested in a career in fish, wildlife, and natural resources, to apply! Come learn and train with ODFW and help us fulfill our mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

Play a part in providing healthy fish for Oregon! Perform fish culture duties to meet production goals and maintain equipment, grounds and buildings.

As a Hatchery Laborer (Laborer/Student Worker) at the Elk River Hatchery in Port Orford, Oregon, you will:

• Assist technicians with periodic sampling and feeding fish
• Move and handle fish to mark, load, transfer, or release
• Collect adults: ready spawning area and equipment, and have necessary material and supplies on hand
• Assist technicians with brood stock to determine sex, maturity, ripeness, and health
• Assist technicians with spawning adults by anesthetizing, taking eggs and sperm
• Move adults as needed
• Shock, pick, clean up, treat and inventory eggs
• Remove egg shells and record mortalities
• Maintain hatchery water systems in cleaning intake by cleaning debris from screens using small hand tools
• Maintain hatchery rearing and incubation environments by cleaning and assisting technicians in minor repairs
• Operate special equipment including utility vehicles, lawn tractors, gas and electric power tools, pressure washer, and farm tractor with attachments.
• Use and maintain pond cleaning implements and mortality pickers, crowders, dipnets, egg and fry care tools and devices
• Set up, maintain, and periodically clean rearing containers.

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.

Clearly describe how you meet the 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. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job

What We Are Looking For

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however, we are seeking applicants with the following experience or skills. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with these skills and background:

• Experience with fish or hatcheries
• Experience with landscaping and grounds maintenance
• Experience operating electronic or mechanical equipment
• Maintenance and repair experience
• Experience interacting with the public

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 a criminal history check. Adverse background 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