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.  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, Region 4.  The duty station is Wallace River Hatchery located at 14418 383rd Ave, SE, Sultan, WA.

Fish Rearing and Production 
Tasks include:
Monitoring incubation room when in use, tracking egg and fish development and proper chemical treatments.
Calculate daily feed requirements and feeding frequently based on species, fish size, temperature, flow and densities to achieve desired growth rate.
Feed fish their calculated daily ration.
Monitor fish behavior and health
Monitor egg and fish production
Administer therapeutics, calculations and administer drugs as prescribed
Identify, sort, and sample species for spawning and adult distribution
Clean ponds and raceways, troughs and incubator systems to maintain fish health
Identify marked adults and collects tag/marks for bio sampling as directed and records data
Collect fish tissue and fluid samples for virology
Perform fish inventories, splits, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.
 
Maintenance and facility upkeep at Wallace River Hatchery
Task include:
Organizes and maintain WDFW tools, equipment and grounds
Communicates safety concerns in a timely and accurate manner
Uses tools and equipment properly and safely
Keep intake screens and fish ways operable and clear of debris.
Operate, monitor, and respond to all alarms that provide security and protect to fish production and hatchery facility.
Operate, repair, and maintain all equipment used for grounds maintenance
Comply with legal requirements for lawn care and weed control
  
Record keeping and records management
Tasks include: 
Collect, compile, and store data on a variety of activities pertaining to the fish rearing program.
 
Crew Leader
Tasks include: 
Ensures expectations are adhered to and coordinate with the FHS4 on facility operations.
Leads crew in carrying out assigned work
Explains processes and procedures so others understand and follow.
Train, advise, and guide others to help them choose the correct course of action.
 
Public contact and communications
Tasks include:
Respond to questions from visitors at the Wallace River Hatchery
Conduct organized tours
Interacts with public in a polite, professional manner
Identifies the best way to respond when faced with a difficult to answer question
 
Working Conditions 
Typical work schedule is 8-5, Monday – Friday, depending on the time of year; include weekends and holidays as needed.  Working outside in adverse weather conditions and perform.  A valid Washington State Driver’s License.  This is on-station and standby has been assigned.
 
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 & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).  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.

One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.  OR Associate’s degree in fisheries technology or closely allied field and two years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery setting.  OR a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or closely allied field.  OR   Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and two years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.  OR   Four years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery will substitute for the Bachelors degree.  

Preferred knowledge and experience
Sound fish practices
Good Communication skills
Strong leadership skills
Basic adult and juvenile salmonid identification at various stages of lifecycle
Water dynamics(e.g. flows, flow patterns, temperature, etc.)
Basic mathematics ; ability to calculate and understand quantities and proportions
Knowledge and proficiency in the use of Windows, Word and Excel
Safe and proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment
Basic understanding of carpentry, electrical and plumbing
The ability to lift up to 50 lbs out of doors in all weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities.

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. 
 
 

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.