Classification – Fish Hatchery Technician 
Job Status – Full-Time/Non-Permanent  
WDFW Program – Fish Program – Hatcheries Division  
Duty Station – Garrison Springs Hatchery – Tacoma, Washington – Pierce County 
Appointment Length – Five (5) Months – January 16, 2025 – June 15, 2025

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join our dynamic team as a Fish Hatchery Technician and support WDFW’s mission to conserve and protect fish populations while providing sustainable recreational and commercial fishing experiences. 

This is an opportunity to perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at Lakewood, Garrison, Chambers and Tumwater Falls Hatchery facilities.

With your experience, you will rear anadromous (fish that spend part of their lives in both fresh and salt water, migrating from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn) and non-anadromous species of fish.   

What to Expect -

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

Perform Fish Culture: 

• Feeds fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as directed.
• Monitors egg and fish production and disinfects and enumerates (counts) eggs. 
• Assists in identifying, sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Identifies marked adults and collects tags/marks for bio sampling.
• Assist in inventorying and grading fish populations, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants. 
• Picks eggs loss by hand or using equipment and incubates for facility programs or shipments.
• Collects adult fish by hook and line, seining, and volunteer or non-volunteer fish trap.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment: 

• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments as directed.
• Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment as directed.
• Applies herbicides or controlled burning for weed control as directed.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is typically performed outdoors in all/extreme weather conditions and includes performing strenuous physical activities.   At times repetitively lifting at least 50 lb. bags of fish feed, blocks of salt, and varying equipment daily.  Will use respirator and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at facility. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., some perform 10 days on 4 days off, adjusted by workload.

Travel Requirements: Travel as needed to meet work demands.

Tools and Equipment: Hand & power tools, lawn care equipment, egg picking machines, passenger vehicles, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine, computers, and software.

Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with public and volunteers Employee will interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

High School Diploma or General Educational Development (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:

Six (6) months of experience working at a fish hatchery.

Your application should 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.

Supplemental Information

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: 

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 kaila.daudt@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: 2024-1234 – 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. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-12286.

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