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 (1) one 4-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery located at 125 Salmon Lane, Salkum, WA.  This position assists in performing hatchery duties during peak workloads in order to meet agency goals.  DutiesAssist in feeding juvenile salmonids
Tasks include:
Weighing feed, physically and mechanically distributing feed to rearing containers.

Wash and clean ponds, water intakes, troughs, and egg trays
Tasks include:
Operating high pressure pumps and manual cleaning of rearing containers with brooms or brushes.

Assist in seining ponds, spawning, and surplus activities
Task include:
Operating a seine net, weighing screen buckets of fish and lifting nets or buckets out of the pond.

Assist in taking and recording data
Tasks include:
Record data for mortality, sampling etc.

Performs grounds care and maintenance; repair equipment and equipment
Tasks include:
Operating hand and power tools in order to facilitate hatchery maintenance

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

Working Conditions:  Work week is 24/7 Saturday – Friday, depending on time of year; includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Working outside in adverse weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities, ability to lift 50 lbs, ability to follow directions and complete assigned task, gather and compile data and use sound judgment.   This position requires a valid driver’s license.  (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)

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.

Knowledge and Abilities Desired:

1. Basic fish culture techniques; rearing procedures.
2. Basic computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Excel software.
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 skills; calculate and understand quantities and proportions
6. The ability to lift up to 50 lbs 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:
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.