Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3 months - May 26, 2026 – August 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Chelan, Washington – Chelan County – Chelan Hatchery

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Chelan Hatchery Round Pool – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in fisheries management.

Envision yourself at Chelan Hatchery, collaborating with dedicated hatchery staff to support fish culture operations and assist in maintaining hatchery equipment and facilities.

What to Expect-

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

Conduct Fish Culture:

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

Schedule: Typically Monday – Friday, 7:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M., working 40 hours per week. Schedule may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions including the occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

Travel Requirements: Travel as needed to meet work demands (E.g. – day trips for planting fish).

Tools and Equipment: Power and hand tools, lawn care equipment, egg picking machines, passenger vehicles, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine and computers.

Customer Interactions: Interact professionally with anglers, DFW staff including district biologists and fish health staff, US Fish and Wildlife (USFWS), tribal partners, and other federal, county, state entities.

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 one or more of the following:

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

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• At least three professional references with current contact 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:

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04139.

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