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 one (1) Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 In-training position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Priest Rapids Hatchery located at 29086 Hwy 243, Mattawa, WA. 
Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 (FHS1): Performs a variety of technical and scientific fish culture duties, performs hatchery related maintenance, and participates in an agency supervised fish culture training program. Once the 12-month in-training plan is completed satisfactorily, then you will be promoted to the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 level.

Fish Culture
Tasks include:
Feeds fish their calculated daily ration;
Monitors fish behavior, health
Monitors egg and fish production; calculates
Administers therapeutants, calculates and drugs as prescribed;
Identifies, sorts, and samples species for spawning and adult distribution;
Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems, identifies marked adults and collects tags/marks for
Identifies marked adults and collects tag/marks for bio sampling as directed and records data.
Collects fish tissue and fluid samples and records data.
Performs fish inventories, splits, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, releases and plants fish.
Safely haze avian predators
 
Operation and Maintenance of Facility
Tasks include:
Monitors water flow and quality parameters;
Takes water samples and readings (e.g. dissolved gases, suspended settleable solids, and other parameters as required)
Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments;
Responds to alarms, determining and taking appropriate action;
Monitors and maintains facility support systems to include an ozone disinfection facility if needed to achieve program goals.;
Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.
Maintains the grounds in appearance and upkeep.
 
Operation and Maintenance of Equipment
Tasks include:
Drives a planting truck to and from planting sites.
Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds
Communicates safety concerns in a timely and accurate manner (management to staff and staff to management).
Use tools and equipment properly and safely
Stores tools and equipment properly
 
Recordkeeping and Reporting
Tasks include:
Enters data into forms and spreadsheets (e.g. fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, and chemical usage) Fills out standard report forms
Accurately fills out agency form such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice tickets, etc.
Submits complete and accurate forms required. 
Assist in developing in-house forms as required.
 
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.
Follows up the ensure that an answer was obtained.
 
Working Conditions
Work week is Saturday to Friday and the work schedule is M-F, 8:00-4:30, 40-hour work week, depending on the time of year; includes days, nights, weekends and holidays as needed. Some holidays are required.  This position requires the ability to work closely with complex staff, constituent groups, anglers, other agency staff; these include area and district biologist and fish health staff, USFWS and public utilities as well as tribal and other federal, county, stat entities and vendors in a professional manner. 
 
This position requires some 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, bending, squatting, sitting, crawling on hands and knees, climbing, working in confined spaces, and sometimes dusty or very hot environments. Work in, around and over water with waders on, use of a respirator and other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE), handle chemicals for therapeutic fish ozone treatments and herbicides appropriately and accordance with labels. Work around ozone disinfection facility if needed. Proper and safe use of pyro technics for avian predators.  Demonstrate safe handling and storage of flammable fuel oils, compressed gases, lubricants, pesticides and herbicides. This position requires a valid driver’s license.  (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)   
 
This position requires some ability and willingness to learn to 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, chillers, water heaters, 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 also required of this position to have some basic knowledge of various types of power and hand tools, the applications and demonstrate safe use.  
 
This position is on-station and standby is assigned. This position requires a Class B CDL with air brakes and tank endorsement or the ability to obtain the license within 12-months from the date of hire.          
  
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.

Associate’s degree in fisheries technology or closely allied field and one year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.  OR Three years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or closely allied field and one year of experience performing fish culture in a hatchery.  OR   Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and one year of experience performing fish culture in a hatchery.  OR   Three years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery will substitute for the required education.  Preferred work experience in a hatchery setting. 
 
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 lift 50 lbs, work out of doors in all weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities.
7. Safe and proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
8. Communicate effectively with the public

To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

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.