Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 – Voights Creek – Non-Permanent – *08913-24

Title– Fish Hatchery Specialist 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length– Nine (9) months – September 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025
WDFW Program– Hatcheries Division – Voights Creek Hatchery
Duty Station– Orting, Washington – Pierce County

Standby is currently assigned.
Housing is not provided.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) currently operates 75 hatchery facilities, the majority dedicated to producing salmon and/or steelhead. 

Hatcheries have operated in Washington State for more than a century, beginning with a facility on the Kalama River in 1895.  

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Fish Hatchery Specialist to work alongside a diverse team to support salmon conservation while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational opportunities in the state of Washington.  

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 is responsible for:

Fish Culture:

• 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.

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 develops 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).

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:

• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Performs standby which requires responding to alarms and taking appropriate action to preserve facility programs, tests alarms and reports failures to agency personnel.
• Monitors and maintains facility support systems i.e. diesel generators, domestic, alarm panels and other support systems.
• Actively identifies safety hazards and acts or recommends remedies as appropriate.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, and involves strenuous physical activities including wading in chest-deep water. Employee must lift or move up to 50lbs. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 

Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. the work hours can vary greatly at different time of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Some travel may be required. 

Standby: Standby duties are currently assigned.  Employee must respond to the facility within 45 minutes. This position may require standby, the employee is responsible for overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day. While on standby this position will work ten days and be off 4. 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 it 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: Housing is not provided for this position.

Tools and Equipment: Perform mechanical tasks using power and hand tools Employee will work with hand & power tools, lawn care equipment, tractors, forklifts, welding equipment, egg picking machines, water sampling instruments, transport trucks, passenger vehicles, adult fish pumps, adult fish counters, CWT identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine, and computers and software.

Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with public and volunteers Employee will interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 AND successful completion of agency supervised training program.

OR

An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology or a 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 or a 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.

Licenses/Certifications: A valid driver’s license is required.

Standby Response Requirement: This position requires a 45-minute standby response time.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Two- or four-year degree in Fisheries or closely associated field.
• A Commercial Driver’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 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 RecruitmentTeam@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 and reference the job number in the subject line.

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn tendersglobal.net Facebook tendersglobal.net Instagram