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

There is one 9-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Coulter Creek Hatchery, located at E 41 Coulter Cr Rd, Belfair WA 95528.  Anticipated start date is September 1, 2017.

Egg and fish sampling and picking
Tasks include:
Shock eggs and remove egg deformities and mortalities, enumerate both types and lay the good ones to hatch.  These duties require long periods of standing, careful attention to detail and protocols in often cold temperatures.

Egg handling for incubation
Tasks include:
Fertilize, enumerate, disinfect and lay eggs down in the incubation trays

Spawning Adult Salmon
Tasks include:
Collecting, sorting, and spawning of adult female salmon.  Squeeze the sperm from the males to fertilize the eggs.

Surplus Adult Salmon
Tasks Include:
Net, sort enumerate, kill and surplus carcasses above and beyond those needed to spawn.

Ground and equipment maintenance
Tasks include:
This position is responsible for vacuuming and pressure washing the ponds for cleaning.  Mow lawns and cut/remove weeds.

Working Conditions
The work schedule is Monday – Friday 8-5 from 9-4 through 12-21; 12-16 through 5-31, the schedule will be 8-5 10 days on and 4 days off.  On occasion traveling from one facility to another (w/in 11 miles).   A large part of the work will be done outdoors, in the water, in cold conditions and the ability to lift 50 pounds.  The incumbent needs to be able to lift and hold on to lively and strong adult salmon.  Also standing over a trough picking eggs in a moist/cold room picking eggs over extended periods of time without much walking.  Required to wear a life preserver walking over metal walkways above the water during feeding etc.  Standby is assigned and there is no housing available to facilitate to standby requirement.  The response time is 45 minutes.

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.

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), which contains a “union security” provision. This means that, 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.

1. Basic fish culture techniques; rearing procedures.
2. Basic computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software.
3. Water dynamics (e.g. flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature, etc)
4. Calibration of specialized instruments (e.g. scales, Dissolved Oxygen meters)
5. Basic math skills; calculate and understand quantities and proportions
6. The ability to lift up to 50 lbs out of doors in all weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities.
7. Safe and proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment.

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.