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 for one (1) 6-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is Voight Creek Hatchery located at 18801 Voight Meadow Road, Orting, WA.  Anticpated start date is September 1, 2017.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility
This position will be responsible monitoring the water flow and other parameters to maintain an ideal fish rearing environment.  Responds to alarms, identifies a problem and takes the appropriate action.  Monitors and maintains Facility support system, building and hatchery grounds.  Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment
Use all tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner.  This position will be trained to operate a forklift, tractor, lawn mowers and any other equipment at the facilities.  This position will be expected to maintain hatchery tools, equipment and grounds.  This includes storing tools and equipment properly.  It will be expected that any safety concerns will be communicated to other staff in a timely and accurate manner.

Public Contact and Communications
Interacts with the public in a polite manner.  Responds to questions from visitors at the facility and give organized tours when needed.  Identifies the best way to respond when faced with difficult-to-answer questions or when information is not known or readily obtainable.

Recordkeeping and Reporting
Enters data into forms and spreadsheets (e.g. fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, and chemical usage); demonstrates proficiency with computerized forms and accuracy in recordkeeping.  Submits complete and accurate forms required, in a timely manner.

Other duties as assigned
May include DMR’s Safety office, or other weekly/monthly responsibilities.

Working Conditions
Work week is Saturday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:30.  Will be required to work 10 days on, 4 days off schedule.  Work schedule will be September 1st through February 28th, on an annual basis.  Working outside in fair and inclement weather and occasionally working alone in a remote location.  This position requires a valid driver’s license.  Standby is assigned and on-station housing is available to facilitate the standby requirement.

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 computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software.
2. Basic fish culture techniques; rearing procedures
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; calculate and understand quantities and proportions
6. Ability to work 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.