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.

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 currently a permanent Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division, Wells Complex.  The duty station is the Wells Hatchery located at 24621 US Hwy 97, Pateros, WA 98846.

This is a lead worker position that leads up to four (4) FHS2’s and up to two (2) seasonal workers at the Wells Hatchery within the Wells Complex, and serves as the principle assistant to the FHS4 and Complex Manager. This position is in constant communication with Douglas PUD and tribal employees and is expected to represent the agency in a professional manner and communicating effectively.  The incumbent is expected to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the FHS4 during his or her absence.

• Carries out assignments as a working leader
• Monitors projects/activities to ensure completion in a timely manner
• Ensures that the staff is productive and well informed on activities
• Ensures safety compliance
• Serves as a leader and role model for staff
• Trains staff in standard and new techniques of fish culture
• Keeps supervisor and management well-informed on production issues that may lead to fish health concerns or program shortfalls
• Disseminates information from management and supervisor in a positive light that leads to compliance and team building
• Serves as a conduit for safety and other concerns and challenges (management to staff and staff to management)
• Represents the agency professionally and communicates effectively to co-managers and PUD employees
• Communicates with outside entities to implement agency-approved projects

Fish Culture

• Carries out sound fish culture practices to meet program goals.
• Identifies and communicates opportunities to improve fish culture practices.
• Projects and monitors fish growth and feed requirements.
• Monitors fish behavior and health.
• Actively seeks to learn new fish culture practices, and trains crew members in standard and new techniques.
• Monitors broodstock collection for proper number of adults are collected to meet production goals for mitigation responsibilities

Physical Operation and Maintenance of Facility 

• Ensures that working components of the fish hatchery are kept in good condition (i.e. pumps & motors, vehicles, alarms, generators, flashlights, and etc.)
• Ensures timely repairs to facility and infrastructure, through the FHS4
• Maintains the grounds in appearance and upkeep to include seasonal issues.
• Identifies and communicates ways to improve the physical plant operation.
• Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of personal computers and various computer applications (i.e. Fishbooks, OP forms, record keeping, e-mail, and etc.)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel programs

Internal and External Communication

• Keeps supervisor and management well-informed on production issues that may lead to fish health concerns or program shortfalls
• Disseminates information form management and supervisor in a positive light that leads to compliance and team building
• Services as a conduit for safety and other concerns and challenges (management to staff and staff to management)
• Represents the agency professionally and communicates effectively to co-managers and PUD employees
• Communicates with outside entities to implement agency-approved projects

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
The hatchery employees typically work a Monday – Friday 8:00-4:30 schedule. Working with the public during tours and working with Douglas County PUD employees, tribal members and other co-managers in proper kind manner.    There are exceptions that may occur due to unforeseen environmental conditions such as flooding, windstorm, or power outages that require different or long working hours. Winters can be extreme with icy driving conditions and deer and other wildlife can be a constant hazard.  Must be able to lift 50 lb feed sacks on occasions.   Travel within complex and to meetings within the state.  A valid driver’s license is required.  There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  This position is on-station and standby is assigned.   This position requires a class B CDL with tanker and air-brake endorsement or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

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.

Preferred knowledge
Fish Culture techniques
Water dynamics, i.e. Fish requirements for D.O Levels, water chemistry, temperature, turbidity, etc
Basic mathematics
Computer knowledge of Word, Excel, FishBooks and other agency specific applications
Proper calibration and operation of measuring instruments
Knowledge of hatchery forms; application and use of key forms; proper procedures, etc.

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.

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.