Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) – Cowlitz Trout Hatchery – Permanent – *02457-25

Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
Duty Station– Cowlitz Trout Hatchery – Toledo, Washington – Lewis County
Housing- No additional housing currently available 
Standby- Not currently assigned.

In-Training– We are recruiting to hire at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 (FHS1) or Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (FHS2) level. We will train a new hire at level FHS1 up to the FHS2 level.

Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:
Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 – $3,239.00 – $4,299.00 monthly
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 – $3,558.00 – $4,740.00 monthly

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to be a part of the future of fish conservation in Washington while gaining valuable hands-on experience!

Be a central figure in WDFW’s mission 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT –
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Perform Fish Culture Duties

• Calculates and feeds fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as needed.
• Monitors fish behavior and health
• Monitors egg and fish production and disinfects and enumerates eggs.
• Administers therapeutics, 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.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Proficient use of computers and software in order to perform various aspects of hatchery work, including data entry, record keeping, reporting (both within and outside agency).
• Accurately fills out and submits agency forms such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice forms and other relevant forms.
• Assist or develop forms or spreadsheets for more efficient record keeping.
• Performs water quality analysis and discharge monitoring reports (DMR) as required by the Department of Ecology to maintain hatchery discharge permits (NPDES).
• Updates programs to calculate desired growth rates through yearly rearing cycle (Projection sheets) that monitor fish sizes using samples & feed conversions.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment

• Monitors and maintains facility support systems i.e., diesel generators, domestic and ozone water treatment plants, alarm panels and other support systems.
• Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, fish pumps and common power tools.
• Assist in design/fabrication of needed hatchery equipment such as fish racks, weirs, intake screens, fish transfer equipment, adult fish gates, etc., using metal, aluminum, plastic, and wood.
• Assists in designing and building chemical delivery systems for egg and fish treatments.
• Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment.

Communications

• Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner while conducting organized tours or responding to questions from visitors to the facility.
• Attend school presentations and/or career fairs, sportsmen shows, and county fairs.
• Give lectures at schools and local organizations.
• Supervises participants in fish derbies.
• Communicates with inter agency staff or outside entities both verbally and in writing as needed regarding hatchery infrastructure or facility programs, i.e., local Public Utility Districts, co-managers, and others.
• Communicates closely with supervisors and coworkers regarding hatchery operations and infrastructure.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is performed almost entirely outdoors. Work occurs in all seasons and in all weather conditions from extreme heat to extreme cold, snow and very wet environment. Hazards include exposure to heat, cold, rain, snow, slippery, uneven, and loose surfaces with multiple tripping obstacles. Structural and environmental hazards may cause drowning, sprains, strains, fractures, lacerations, and contusions. The unsafe operation of fleet vehicles, forklifts, tractor and UTV may result in a vehicular accident. The operation of multiple hand and power tools may also result in harm to the operator. Exposure to hazardous chemicals used for fish health may result with chemical burns, respiratory issues, blindness, exposure to a carcinogen and possible death. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Work hours can vary greatly at different times of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions.

*Standby: Standby duties are not currently assigned – standby entails the employee being responsible for overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day after the regular 8-hour shift. While on standby, this position will work ten (10) days and be off four (4) days.
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.

Housing: Additional housing is not currently available at this location.

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, biology, or closely allied field and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Or

Two (2) years of education towards a bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.

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 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 diana.humes@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

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