Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 , In-training *02620-18

Salary
$2,262.00 – $3,353.00 Monthly
Location
Cowlitz County – Kalama, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2018-02620
Closing
3/25/2018 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
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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 2 In-training in the Fish Program – Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Fallert Creek Hatchery located at 1404 Kalama River Road, Kalama, WA. 98625.

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.  Upon satisfactory completion of the in-training plan will automatically be promoted to a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.

Duties
Fish Culture:
Feeds fish their calculated daily ration;
Monitors fish behavior, health, egg and fish production;
Calculates and administers 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 bio sampling and records data;
Collects fish tissue and fluid samples;
Performs fish inventories, splits, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, releases and plants fish.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:
Enters data into forms and spreadsheets (e.g. fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, chemical usage);
Accurately fills out agency forms such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice tickets, etc.
Submits complete and accurate forms required.
Assist in developing in-house forms as required.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility:
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; monitors and maintains facility support systems;
Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment:
Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds;
Identifies and communicates safety concerns (management to staff and staff to management), uses tools and equipment properly and safely.

Public Contact and Communications:
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.

Working Conditions
The incumbent works at full cycle fish rearing facility dividing their time between an outdoor all weather, at times strenuous work environment, to an office setting.  The workweek is Saturday – Friday, 40 hours a week. Normally does not exceed 40 hours per week unless emergency conditions exist.   This position is on-station and standby is assigned.   Standby will be pulled from Kalama Falls Hatchery and is on a dialer system.

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.

Qualifications
Graduation from high school or GED.   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
Supplemental Information
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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)

  • Yes
  • No
02
Which best describes your work experience working in a hatchery setting?

  • 1-5 months
  • 6-11 months
  • 12 months or more
  • I do not have hatchery experience

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact