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

This recruitment is for a 9-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division, at the Spokane Hatchery.  The duty station is W 2927 Waikiki Rd, Spokane, WA  99208.

This position interacts with Fish Hatchery Specialist, Fish Health Specialist, other employees of WDFW, various Co-ops, Native American tribes, private landowners and other general public entities.

DutiesFish Culture
Tasks include:
Feed fish their calculated daily ration the appropriate number of feedings
Identifies, sorts, and samples inland species for spawning
Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems as needed to maintain fish health
Remove fish mortality daily
Assist with fish inventories, splits, weight samples and plants
Perform other duties as required

Recordkeeping and Reporting
Task Include:
Enters data into forms and spreadsheets (e.g. fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, and chemical usage, fish production, sampling, CV’s, fish inventories, TU’s, egg picking, fish plants, rearing vessel flows, water temperature).

Operation and Maintenance of Facility
Tasks include:
Maintain clean and healthy rearing environments
Responds to alarms immediately, determining and taking appropriate action.
Actively identifies safety hazards and brings them to the attention of the other staff, the lead worker or supervisor.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment
Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds;
Communicates safety concerns (management to staff and staff to management).
Uses tools and equipment properly and safely stores tools and equipment properly.

Public Contact and Communications
Responds to/answers questions from visitors to the facility and directs them as needed to ensure they get the answer they need.
Be courteous and helpful when working with volunteers
Interacts with the public in a polite, and professional manner
Follow-up to ensure that an answer was obtained.

Occasionally drives truck to deliver supplies and equipment
Tasks include:
Driving a standard or flatbed pickup to deliver hatchery supplies or eggs

Other duties as required
Tasks include:
Performs various duties that help accomplish the agencies mission.

Working Conditions
A 40 hour non-scheduled work-week is required, typically work is 5 – 8 hour days per week.   The person in this position will be required to work in both inside and outside in variable conditions.  Work in very hot and cold weather.  This position requires the ability to work alone or with others in remote locations.   Will have interactions with the public when they visit the facility and will give tours when they are schedule.    This person must perform strenuous physical activities such a lifting feed sacks weighing  50 lbs daily. This position requires a valid driver’s license.  Standby has not been assigned.

Union
This position is 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).

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.

QualificationsHigh school diploma 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 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 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:
A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)

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.