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) 9-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.The duty station is the Soos Creek Hatchery, located at 13030 Auburn Black Diamond Rd, Auburn, WA. 98092.

DutiesAdult Fish Handling, Fish Feeding, Pond Cleaning
Tasks include:
Collecting, sorting, spawning, sampling of adult salmon.  These duties require heavy, repetitive lifting of adult transport boots, and working within Soos Creek, in rearing ponds and under foul weather conditions

Egg 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.

Grounds and Equipment Maintenance
Tasks include:
Cleaning adult handling areas, vehicles, hatchery building/bathrooms.
Weed eating, raking, weeding.
Small equipment repairs or maintenance.

Weir maintenance
Tasks include:
Maintains the weir and assist staff in removing debris/leaves.  This task require in-stream work on unstable terrain and repetitive raking.

Working Conditions: Workweek is M-W 8-4:30, 10 days on 4 days off.  This position operates under all weather conditions, high and low temperatures, within a running river, and repeatedly carries 35-50 pound loads of salmon, long-periods of standing (3hrs or more) and strenuous raking/cleaning of the creek weir.  Position often requires commuting from the hatchery to the lower river weir.  This position requires a valid driver’s license.  (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)

Public interaction is very common and this position requires the ability to clearly communicate to the public.  The position must work well with large groups and receive instructions from multiple permanent staff.

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
These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).

QualificationsGraduation from high school or GED.  Preferred work experience in a hatchery setting.
Preferred work experience

• Soos Creek Hatchery experience
• Salmon Culture experience
• Weir experience
• Hatchery experience

Supplemental InformationTo 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.