Washington is America’s Top State according to U.S. News (2019) and we provide one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

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.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

There is one 6-month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.The duty station is the Issaquah Hatchery, located at 125 West Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA.Anticipated start date is January 6, 2020.
DutiesResponsibilities include:
Fish Culture
Tasks include:
Feed fish their calculated daily rations
Monitors fish behavior and health
Monitors egg and fish production
Administers therapeutants, calculations and administers drugs as prescribe
Identifies, sorts, and samples species for spawning and adult distribution
Cleans ponds and raceways, trough, and incubators systems to maintain fish health
Identifies marked adults and collects tags/marks for bio sampling as directed and records data
Collects fish tissue and fluid samples and records data
Performs fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.

Record Keeping
Tasks include:
Enter data into forms and spreadsheets
Demonstrates proficiency with computerized forms and accuracy in recordkeeping (fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, chemical usage).
Fill out standard report forms. Accurately fills out agency forms such as a fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice tickets, etc.
Submits complete and accurate forms as required
Enters final in Fishbook’s

Operation and Maintenance of Facility
Tasks include:
Monitors water flow and quality parameters; takes water samples and reading, e.g. dissolves gases, suspended settleable solids, and other parameters as required.
Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments
Responds to alarms, determining and taking appropriate action
Monitors and maintains facility support systems
Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate
Maintains the hatchery landscaping

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment
Tasks include:
Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds
Communicates safety concerns in a timely and accurate manner (management to staff and staff to management)
Uses tools and equipment properly and safety
Stores tools and equipment properly
Constructs new hatchery equipment

Public Contact and Communications
Tasks include:
Responds to/answers questions from visitors or outside entities in a polite professional manner.
Conducts organized tours.
Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner
Follows up to ensure that an answer was obtained
Interacts with volunteers

All other duties required

Working Conditions: The work schedule is 8-4:30 Monday thru Friday.  Depending on time of year; includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Some weekend work required.  Working outside in adverse weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities.   The ability to lift 50 lbs. Perform mechanical tasks using power tools, forklift, tractor and ATV.  This position requires a valid driver’s license.

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.

Veteran Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (#10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (#10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

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.