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 (4) 2.5 -month Non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Naselle Hatchery, located at 270 N. Valley Rd, Naselle, WA. 98638.  The anticipated start date is September 16, 2017.

Recordkeeping and Reporting
Tasks include:
Assist hatchery staff in recording fish collected eggs taken, feed fed and pond mortalities.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility
Tasks include: Washes and clean ponds, intakes, tanks, troughs and egg trays.  Operating high pressure pumps and manual cleaning of rearing containers with brooms and brushes.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment
Tasks include:
Assists hatchery staff in performing equipment maintenance.

Occasionally drives truck to deliver supplies and materials
Tasks include:
Drive a standard or flatbed truck to deliver hatchery supplies.

Working Conditions: Hours could vary greatly, some short days and some long days depending on weather and availability of fish. Typically work 5 8-hour days per week, work week is Saturday thru Friday and depending on time of year; includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

The incumbent will work away from hatchery collecting broodstock in remote areas with other hatchery staff.  Maybe required to travel to other facilities to assist in broodstock collection.  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; able to identify adult salmonids
2. Water dynamics (e.g. flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature, etc.)
3. Basic math (add/subtract/multiply/divide); calculate and understand quantities and proportions
4. Computer knowledge; basic understanding of spreadsheets, word processing
5. Calibration of specialized instruments (e.g. scales, Dissolved Oxygen meters)
6. Safe and proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment
7. Knowledge of available resources and guides needed to help complete forms and documents correctly
8. Applicable agency policies and procedures
9. Safety regulations

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.