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

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be held as qualified applicants are identified, the position may be filled and the recruitment closed.  Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible.  The first review will be February 15, 2018.

LOCATION:                  165 Osprey Lane, Toledo, WA

OVERVIEW
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Hatchery Operation and Reform Manager (WMS2) position. The position is located in the Fish Program and the preferred duty station Cowlitz Trout Hatchery located at 165 Osprey Lane, Toledo, WA.

In a manner consistent with the conservation of fish resources, the Hatcheries Division produces fish to support recreational and commercial fisheries, and in specific instances rebuilds or helps recovery of depleted fish populations. The position’s objective is to ensure the management of hatchery fish and infrastructure resources in a Regional capacity towards meeting the goals of the Division and the agency.  This position reports to the Regional Fish Program Manager and responds to the Hatchery Division Manager on a broader scope of issues.  Annual operations budget for the Complex totaling in excess of $4,100,000.

This position requires that the incumbent be willing and able to implement agency and Fish Program policies as they relate to hatchery operations (e.g. mitigation agreements, US v. Oregon agreement, HGMP’s, surplus fish disposals, safety policies, agency housing, personnel collective bargaining agreements, etc.). This position provides input and recommendations as requested by senior level Fish Program staff relating to hatchery policy development for operations/functions, personnel actions (initiate recruitment to fill vacant staff position, initiate disciplinary actions if needed), and resource co-management negotiations dealing with fish production.

The Operations and Hatchery Reform Manager supervises and directs all aspects of fish production within the complex(es) of responsibility for the purpose of achieving conservation and fishery enhancement/management objectives.  This responsibility includes the management of a number of fish hatcheries that may have diverse infrastructures that must be kept mechanically sound and operated safely.  This position is located in Region 5 Fish Program.

• Leads the implementation of identified and approved hatchery values and leadership principles
• Leads the implementation of hatchery reform through:
  • Developing broodstock management plans with fish management and hatchery staff
  • Identifying capital improvements and maintenance needs necessary for safety, proper operation of the hatchery, broodstock management and environmental compliance
  • Annually reports (or more often as needed) to the Regional Program Manager on progress in meeting broodstock management standards within the positions assigned responsibilities
  • Collaborating on development of additional Hatchery Reform elements and conservation strategies
  • Implements recovery programs for identified Critical Stocks
• Serves as the point of contact for future brood document issues including the review and change process
• Ensures expenditures for facilities within the positions assigned responsibilities do not exceed allotments
  • Negotiate annual operations and maintenance contracts as appropriate.
• Ensures hatchery programs are managed consistent with Endangered Species Act permits, best business practices, and water quality permits and standards
  • Ensures that all federal and state reporting requirements and subsequent deadlines are met.
• Recommends hiring and ensures hiring process is completed consistent with agency policies
  • With WDFW Human Resources staff, develops position recruitment announcements, reviewing/evaluating position candidates, and forwarding candidate recommendations to the Regional Program Manager for final Program Appointing Authority approval to hire.
  • Ensures annual employee evaluations within the hatchery complex are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Promotes safety and ensures hatcheries are operated consistent with safety and health standards
  • Develops methods to encourage continual attention to a safe and productive work environment.
• Supervise and administratively oversee operations at the Cowlitz Salmon, Cowlitz Trout, Fallert, Kalama Falls and Mossyrock hatcheries.  Includes direct supervision of three Hatchery Specialists 4’s.
• This position is responsible for identifying all staffing needs for the facilities within their assigned responsibilities, developing recruitment announcements for review and approval by RFPM and Olympia Fish Program leads.
• Directs and coordinates all fish culture activities within the hatchery complex to meet program/production goals as outlined in Hatchery Genetic Management Plans, the Future Brood Document (FBD), and other relevant documents.
• Coordinate and interact internally with staff from Fish Program (Science, Fish Management and Hatcheries), Director’s Office, and Region for strategic work planning that reflects an understanding and consideration for key issues and needs of constituents to meet emerging trends.
• Coordinates with Tacoma Power on Cowlitz River hatchery operations.
• Works with Volunteer Groups to assure Agreements are in place and that activities are in accordance with WDFW policies.

Working Conditions:
Position is overtime exempt.  Position is overtime exempt. Incumbent expected to schedule their time within a typical 40-hour workweek (e.g. 8am-5pm daily).  Office setting with rare outdoor facilitation of hatchery operations. Travel to and from other facilities within the complex is routine and may occur during inclement weather conditions.   Position requires frequent travel. Travel includes traveling between complex facilities, and occasionally to Olympia and Regional Offices.  Requires frequent contact with staff from local, state, federal and tribal agencies.  Routinely interacts with members of the public, both professionals and private citizens.  Position is part of the regional management team and is expected to attend all meetings whenever possible.

• fish culture practices
• fish health diagnosis, treatment and management practices
• salmonid fish culture practices
• Department policies and procedures

Including a minimum of 2 years of experience in the following:

• Supervising hatchery staff
• Working with diverse operation budgets and budget management
• Negotiating hatchery budgets
• Maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal and /or other agencies
• Knowledge and use of federal, state and tribal regulations.
• Proficiency with computers and software including Word, Excel, and CAPS, Fishbooks (WDFW)

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies.

• Advanced training in fish culture from an accredited institution or university
• Advanced training in fish health from an accredited institution or university
• Five or more years of experience in salmonid culture
• Two or more years of experience working with diverse operation budgets and budget management
• Experience developing contracts
• Experience negotiating hatchery budgets
• Experience maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal, and/or other agencies
• Proficiency with computers and software including Word, Excel, and CAPS, Fishbooks (WDFW)
• Knowledge of federal, state and tribal regulations

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.
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.

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.