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. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

This recruitment is for two (2) non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician positions in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Cedar River Hatchery located at 28700 SE 252nd Place, Ravensdale, WA.  Anticipated start date is August 30, 2017.

1          8-30-17 -12-31-17          4 months with standby
1          8-30-17 – 1-31-18           5 months with standby

Weir maintenance:
Maintains the lower river weir. Removes debris/leaves, regulates weir heights, performs minor repairs, and conducts in-stream adult counts.  Assists in loading broodstock trucks and PIT tagging adult sockeye. The task requires in-stream work on unstable terrain and repetitive raking.

Adult fish handling:
Collecting, sorting, spawning, sampling and tagging of adult salmon. These duties require heavy, repetitive lifting of adult transport boots and working within the river, in rearing ponds and under foul weather.

Data collection and recording:
Observe, record and report weir operating times, fish behavior and daily activities in a clear and professional format using MS Excel and MS Outlook.

Working Conditions:
These positions operate under any weather condition, high and low temperatures, within swift river currents, and repeatedly carries 35 – 50 pound loads of salmon, long periods of standing (3 hrs or more) and strenuous raking/cleaning of the lower wier. Work schedule is rotating 10 days on (Mon-Wed), 4 days off (Thu-Sun), 8-5.   These positions frequently accrue overtime.  A valid driver’s license.   These positions require a clear background check including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Association of Fish Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP). As a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the Union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.

Special Note:
All applicants considering applying for this position should understand and consider 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.

1. Basic computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software.
2. Ability to lift 50 lbs, work out of doors in all weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities.
3. Ability to stand for long (3 hrs +) periods of time.
4. Perform mechanical tasks using power and hand tools.
5. This position requires a valid driver’s license.
6. Ability to perform standby duties and respond to alarms as needed.
7. Ability to work alone with limited supervision

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

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.