Fish Hatchery Technician - Priest Rapids Hatchery - Non-Permanent - Two Openings - 2026-06818

Posting number: 2026-06818

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: FISH HATCHERY TECHNICIAN

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, Wetlands, Sciences, Building & Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife

Summary

Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician

Number of Vacancies- Two (2)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3 Months – September 16, 2026- December 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Priest Rapids Hatchery – Mattawa, Washington – Grant County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

A hatchery staff member holds a salmon while another uses a tool to scan its head.

Photo Caption: Scanning for Coded Wire Tag – Photo 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.

Assist with basic technical, scientific, and maintenance duties at the Priest Rapids Hatchery as we rear juvenile salmon, maintain raceways, and handle adult fish during spawning season.

What to Expect-

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

Perform Fish Culture:

• Feed fish according to the pond populations and weight samples, adjusting the size and amount as directed.
• Assist in identifying, sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for biological sampling.
• Assist in inventorying and grading fish populations, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, and plants.
• Pick egg loss by hand or using equipment and incubate eggs for facility programs or shipments.
• Fertilize eggs according to pre-determined ratios using established spawning protocols and Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) requirements.
• Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensure rearing areas are secure.
• Assist in scanning fish for various tags using coded wire tag (CWT) wands, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detectors, and other tag equipment.

Operate and Maintain the Facility and Equipment:

• Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Actively identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around the hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.

Record Keeping, Reporting, and Communication:

• Record data daily, to include mortalities in rearing units and water temperatures.
• Report changes in fish behavior and rearing environments to supervisors.
• Interact with members of the public including responding to questions from visitors to the facility and conducting organized tours.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is typically performed outside in all weather conditions. Perform strenuous physical activities, such as frequently lifting and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds (such as bags of fish feed or salt). 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 related to water environments.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. 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.

Travel Requirements: May be required to travel around hatchery grounds or between facilities to accomplish busine