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

This recruitment is for three (3) three-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station for two positions will be the Ringold/Meseberg Hatchery located at 1871 Ringold River Road, Mesa, WA and the duty station third position is located at 29086 Hwy 243, Mattawa, WA. The anticipated start date for these positions is October 1, 2017.

This position supports the mission by providing some technical and scientific duties of a resident fish rearing at the Ringold/Meseberg and Priest Rapids Hatcheries and assisting FHS-2, FHS-3 and FHS4, along with other fish cultural facilities within the complex when additional help is needed.  This position is responsible for efficient and effective operations while meeting production goals in order to provide fish for harvest, conservation and recreational programs.  This position also supports for both educational and volunteer projects assigned to their facilities.

Egg and fish sampling and picking
Tasks include:
Weighing and counting salmon eggs and removing egg deformities and mortalities.  These duties require long periods of standing, careful attention to detail and protocols in often cold temperatures.

Ground and equipment maintenance 
Tasks include:
Cleaning adult handling area, vehicles, and hatchery buildings/bathrooms.  Weed eating, raking, weeding, other.  Small equipment repairs or maintenance.

Public Contact and Communications
Tasks include:
Responds to/answers questions from visitors or outside entities in a polite professional manner.  Conducts organized tours.  Identifies the best way to respond with difficult-to-answer questions or when information is not readily obtainable.

All other duties required

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.

Working Conditions:
Working hours is normally an 8-hour-day, Monday through Friday 5-days per week but can vary according to the needs of the program and resource.  Normally does not exceed 40 hours per week unless emergency conditions exist.  This position requires the ability to work closely with complex staff, constituent groups, anglers, other agencies, intra agency staff and venders in a professional manner.

Ringold-Meseberg Hatchery:
These positions require the ability to work and operate vehicles and equipment in all weather conditions, lift up to 50 pounds.  The ability to stand for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, sitting, crawling on hands and knees, climbing, working in confined spaces and sometimes dusty or very hot environments, working in and around and over water with waders on, use PPE, handle chemicals for therapeutic fish treatments and herbicides appropriately and accordance with labels.  Exposure to low levels of Radon may exist.

Demonstrate safe handling and storage of flammable fuel oils, compressed gases, lubricants, pesticides and herbicides.  Ringold Springs facility is very close to Hanford Nuclear reservations and incumbent must be familiar with evacuation plans.  Working around and with flora and fauna of the areas.

This position requires some ability and willingness to learn too service, repair and operate safely various forms of hatchery related equipment and implements to include ATV’s, UTV’s, tractors, trailers, spray equipment, lawn mowers, hatchery vehicles, pumps, generators, and other rented or borrowed equipment at this facility.  In addition, this position will require some basic knowledge or general understanding of electrical, plumbing, welding and construction.  It is also required of this position to have some basic knowledge of various types of power and hand tools, their application and demonstrate safe use.

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 Federation of State Employees (WFSE), 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.