The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish,  wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable  recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations.  Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors.  WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state.  WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species.  WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

Applications will be reviewed and interviews held as qualified applicants are identified, and the position may be filled and the recruitment closed. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible

This recruitment is for a permanent an Operations and Hatchery Reform Coordinator in the Fish Program, Region 4.  The duty station is the Region 4 Office located at 16018 Mill Creek Boulevard, Mill Creek, WA 98012-1541.

In a manner consistent with the conservation of fish resources, the Hatcheries Division produces fish to support recreational and commercial fisheries, and in specific instances rebuilds or helps recovery of depleted fish populations.  The position’s objective is to ensure the proper management of hatchery fish,policy compliance of hatchery staff, and maintainance of infrastructure resources in a Regional capacity towards meeting the goals of the Division and the agency.  This position reports to the Regional Fish Program Manager and responds to the Deputy Assistant Director on a broader scope of issues.

The Operations and Hatchery Reform Manager supervises and directs all aspects of fish production within the complex(es) of responsibility for the purpose of achieving conservation and fishery enhancement/management objectives.  This responsibility includes the management of a number of fish hatcheries that may have diverse infrastructures that must be kept mechanically sound and operated safely.  This position is located in Region 4 Fish Program.

• Leads the implementation of identified and approved hatchery values and leadership principles
• Leads the implementation of hatchery reform through:
  • Developing broodstock management plans with tribes, fish management staff, and hatchery staff
  • Identifying capital improvements and maintenance needs necessary for safety, proper operation of the hatchery, broodstock management and environmental compliance
  • Annually reports (or more often as needed) to the Regional Program Manager on progress in meeting broodstock management standards within the positions assigned responsibilities
  • Collaborating on development of additional Hatchery Reform elements and conservation strategies
  • Implements recovery programs for identified Critical Stocks
•  Serves as the point of contact for tribes and staff for all future brood document issues including the review and change process
• Ensures expenditures for facilities within the positions assigned responsibilities do not exceed allotments
  • Negotiate annual operations and maintenance contracts as appropriate.
• Ensures hatchery programs are managed consistent with Endangered Species Act permits, best business practices, and water quality permits and standards
  • Ensures that all federal and state reporting requirements and subsequent deadlines are met.
• Recommends hiring and ensures hiring process is completed consistent with agency policies
  • With WDFW Human Resources staff, develops position recruitment announcements, reviewing/evaluating position candidates, and forwarding candidate recommendations to the Regional Program Manager for final Program Appointing Authority approval to hire.
  • Ensures annual employee evaluations within the hatchery complex are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Promotes safety and ensures hatcheries are operated consistent with safety and health standards
  • Develops methods to encourage continual attention to a safe and productive work environment.
•  Supervise and administratively oversee operations at the Kendall Creek, Bellingham, Lake Whatcom, Samish, Baker Lake, Barnaby Slough, Marblemount, Whitehorse, Arlington, Wallace, and Reiter hatcheries, and the Sunset Falls fish way facility. Hatchery Staff under supervisor responsibility include:4 – HS4’s, 8 – HS3’s, 12 – HS2’s, 2– FHT’s, and 1-Sci-Tec 3.
• This position is responsible for identifying all staffing needs for the facilities within their assigned responsibilities, developing recruitment announcements for review and approval by RFPM and Olympia Fish Program leads,
•  Directs and coordinates all fish culture activities within the hatchery complex to meet program/production goals as outlined in Hatchery Genetic Management Plans, the Future Brood Document (FBD), and other relevant documents.
•  Coordinate and interact internally with staff from Fish Program (Science, Fish Management, Hatcheries), Director’s Office, and Region for strategic work planning that reflects an understanding and consideration for key issues and needs of constituents to meet emerging trends.
•  Works with Fish Hatchery Volunteer Groups to assure Agreements are in place and that activities are in accordance with WDFW policies.
• Advanced training in fish culture from an accredited institution or university
• Advanced training in fish health from an accredited institution or university
• Five or more years of experience in salmonid culture
• Two or more years of experience working with diverse operation budgets and budget management
• Experience developing contracts
• Experience negotiating hatchery budgets
• Experience maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal, and/or other agencies
• Proficiency with computers and software including Word, Excel, and CAPS, Fishbooks (WDFW)
• Knowledge of federal, state and tribal regulations

Working Conditions
Position is overtime exempt. Incumbent expected to schedule their time within a typical 40 hour work week (e.g. 8am-5pm daily).  Position requires frequent travel. Travel includes traveling between complex facilities, and occasionally to Olympia and Regional Offices.  Requires frequent contact with staff from local, state, federal and tribal agencies.  Routinely interacts with members of the public, both professionals and private citizens.

• fish culture practices
• fish health diagnosis, treatment and management practices
• salmonid fish culture practices
• Department policies and procedures

Including a minimum of 2 years of experience in the following:

• Supervising hatchery staff
• Working with diverse operation budgets and budget management
• Negotiating hatchery budgets
• Maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal and /or other agencies
• Knowledge and use of federal, state and tribal regulations.
• Proficiency with computers and software including Word, Excel, and CAPS, Fishbooks (WDFW)

A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications and competencies for this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)

Resume

Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification.  E-mailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.  Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.

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.  Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.