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 are two (2) 4-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Priest Rapids Hatchery located at 29086 Hwy 243, Mattawa, WA.  Anticipated start date is September 1, 2017.

Working in the incubation room
Tasks include:
In the incubation room the eggs are put into trays and once the temperature unit reaches the desired temperature, the eggs are shocked and then the dead ones are picked from the trays.  Once picked the good eggs are laid back into the trays at the desired density.  Eggs are also picked and laid down for the Bonneville Hatchery and classroom projects.  The Bonneville eggs are then transported in early December.

Spawning Fall Chinook
Tasks include:
Using the mechanical crowders or taking a seine and corralling all the fish in the pond together, determining male or female then checking females for ripeness (maturity).  If the fish are ready to spawn, euthenize them and salvage their eggs.  Milk the male fish for their sperm and mix with eggs for fertilization.  Take the fertilized green eggs to the incubation room for laying down in trays.

Cleaning and maintenance
Tasks include:
Cleaning up the area around the hatchery, raceways banks, adult ponds and channel sections with a power washer.   Clean hatchery building.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions: Typically workweek is Saturday – Friday, 5 8-hour days per week and depending on time of year; includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Working outside in adverse weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities.   This position requires a valid driver’s license.  (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)

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.

Knowledge and Abilities Desired:

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.