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 7-months non-permanent fulltime Fish Hatchery Technician, in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station is the Marblemount Hatchery located at 8319 Fish Hatchery Lane, Marblemount, WA.  DutiesFish Culture
Tasks include:
Feeds fish according to pond population and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as directed.
Monitors egg and fish production and Disinfects and enumerates eggs.
Assists in identifying sorting, and sampling species for spawning and adult distribution
Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health
Identifies marked adults and collects tags/marks for bio sampling
Assist in inventorying and grading fish populations, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.
Picks eggs loss by hand or using equipment and incubates for facility programs or shipments
Collects adult fish by hook and line, seining, and volunteer or non-volunteer fish-trap.
Assist in identifying all targeted and non-targeted species, gender, stock origin and condition of maturity when trapping and spawning adults.
Fertilize eggs with sperm, according to pre-determined rations using established spawning protocols and HGMP requirements.
Assist in receiving eggs and samples and distributes then into rearing vessels at correct loading as well as ponds fry according to proper TU’s.
Incubates eggs using a variety of vessels including, shallow troughs, isolation buckets, upwelling incubators and vertical trays.
Assist in loading fish for transport using a variety of methods such as: electric fish pumps, brail and crane.
Monitors rearing units for signs of predation and ensures rearing areas are secure.
Understands correct safety protocols for all hazardous chemicals /drugs used for all treatments and chemical storage/handling, i.e., paint thinner, gas/diesel, potassium, and other chemicals).
Assist in scanning fish for various tags using coded wire tag wands, other tag associated equipment.

Record Keeping and Reporting
Tasks include:
Record daily fed, mortalities in rearing units, water temperatures and other hatchery related data.
Reports changes in fish behavior and rearing environments to supervisors.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment
Tasks include:
Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments as directed
Actively identifies safety hazards
Performs maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment as directed
Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment and structures
Wears and use employee safety equipment as directed including, inspecting, cleaning, and repairing employee’s safety equipment; testing employee safety equipment, recording respirator cartridge use and results of respirator tests.
Maintain required safety training through agency training platforms (LMS)
Understands facility safety hazards

Communications
Tasks include:
Respond to questions from visitors to facility
Interacts with the public in a polite and professional manner
Communicates closely with supervisors and coworkers regarding hatchery operations and infrastructure

Other duties required
Tasks include:
Work alone on station and at remote sites need to be able to make sound decisions
Travel to other hatcheries to assist with heavy workloads.
Pest control (rodents, ants, wasps) in a humane, non-lethal manner.  Done in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Working Conditions
Typically work is 5 – 8-hour days per week, 8:00-4:30, some perform 10 days on 4 days off, adjusted by workload.  Travel as needed to meet work demands.  Depending on the time of year; includes working in hot or cold weather. Communicates effectively with public and volunteers.  Employee will interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis.

Performs strenuous physical activities, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, gather and compile data, use sound judgment, and assist in training entry level employees. This position requires a valid driver’s license.

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
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife 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 & Wildlife Professionals.

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

Preferred/Desired qualifications:

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.