Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 6 months – February 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Issaquah Hatchery – Issaquah, Washington – King County
Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees.

Learn more about being a member of Team 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!

As a Fish Hatchery Technician, you will have the opportunity to perform essential hatchery duties, including the rearing of both anadromous fish (those born in freshwater, spending most of their lives in saltwater, and returning to freshwater 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:

• Feed fish their calculated daily ration.
• Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Performs fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, and plants.

Operation and Maintenance of the Facility:

• Feed fish their calculated daily ration.
• Maintain the hatchery landscaping.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is typically performed outside in all weather conditions. Work includes strenuous physical activities such as occasionally lifting 44-pound bags of fish feed and 50-pound bags of salt repetitively. Will use respirator and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at the facility. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. May have some weekend work.

Tools and Equipment: Gator, forklift, tractor, lawnmower, pumps, hand and power tools, various nets, and hand-held oxygen meter.

Customer Interactions: Frequently interact with members of the public and volunteers.

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:

• Knowledge of methods and equipment used for ground maintenance such as power tools, mowers, pressure washers, and pumps.
• Experience working in a hatchery setting.

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 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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00084.

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