Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (in-Training) – Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery – Permanent – *08773-24

Title– Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) – Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery
Classification– Fish Hatchery Specialist 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station– Salkum, Washington – Lewis County
 
Housing is not provided.  Standby duties are not currently assigned.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
  
Be a central figure in WDFW’s mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
 
This is an opportunity to perform a variety of technical and scientific fish culture duties and hatchery related maintenance.
 
We are seeking a candidate to support the mission by performing technical and fish cultural duties at hatchery facilities within a complex, rearing anadromous and inland species of fish.
 
Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:
Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 – $3,239 – $4,299 monthly
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 – $3,558 – $4,740 monthly
 
What to Expect-
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will,
 
Fish Culture.

• Feeds fish their calculated daily ration.
• Monitors fish behavior and health.
• Monitors egg and fish production.
• Administers therapeutants, calculates and administers drugs as prescribed.
• Identifies, sorts, and samples 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 as directed and records data.
• Performs fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.

Recordkeeping and Reporting.

• Enters data into forms and spreadsheets; demonstrates proficiency with computerized forms and accuracy in recordkeeping (fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, chemical usage).
• Fills out standard report forms.  Accurately fills out agency forms such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice tickets, etc.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility.

• Monitors water flow and quality parameters; takes water samples and readings, e.g. dissolved gases, suspended settable solids, and other parameters as required.
• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Responds to alarms, determining and taking appropriate action.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment.

• Drives a planting truck to and from planting sites.
• Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds.
• Communicates safety concerns in a timely and accurate manner (management to staff and staff to management).

Public Contact and Communications.

• Responds to questions from visitors to the facility.
• Conducts organized tours.
• Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner.

Working Conditions:
Work setting: Work is performed outside in all weather conditions.  Repetitively lift 50 pounds.  Use respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with chemicals.  Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
 
Schedule:  Will work a rotating 10 days on and 4 days off work schedule.  Schedule can vary according to the needs of the program.
 
Travel requirements: May travel to meetings, trainings, and conferences.
 
Qualifications:
 
This Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited hatchery and fish culture experience.
 
Candidates will be hired as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2, dependent on skills and experience.
 
Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month in-training plan, the selected candidate will automatically be promoted to a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.
 
Required Qualifications for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1:
An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or closely allied field.
 
Or
 
Three (3) years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely allied field.
 
Or
 
Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.
 
Or
 
Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.
 
Please note: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery will substitute for the required education.
 
License:   Valid driver’s license.
 
 
Required Qualifications for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2:
One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 and successful completion of agency supervised training program.
 
Or
 
An associate degree in fisheries technology or closely allied field and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
 
Or
 
Three (3) years of education towards a bachelor’s degree in fisheries or closely allied field and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
 
Or
 
Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
 
Please note: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery will substitute for the required education.
 
License:   Valid driver’s license.
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Standby:   Standby is currently not assigned to this position.  All applicants applying for this position should understand that standby is a requirement for all positions in the Fish Hatchery Specialist series. Management may determine it is necessary to assign standby in order to accomplish the goals and objectives of the agency and as necessary to protect the resources of the agency and if assigned, it will be a requirement of the position.
 
Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) 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 spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 [email protected].  
• 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected].
 
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2024-08773.
 
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