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 two (2) 5.5 -month non-permanent Fish Hatchery Technician position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.The duty station is the Naselle Hatchery, located at 270 N. Valley Rd, Naselle, WA. 98638.

DutiesAssist in daily Hatchery operations
Tasks include: 
Feeds fish their calculated daily ration
Monitors fish behavior and health
Monitors egg and fish production
Assists in seining ponds, spawning, and surplus activities
Identifies, sorts, and samples species for spawning and adult distribution
Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health
Collects fish tissue and fluid samples and records data
Assist hatchery staff collect natural origin broodstock from off-site locations, transfer these fish back to the hatchery and assist in spawning operations at the facility.

Recordkeeping and Reporting
Tasks include: 
Enter data into forms and spreadsheets
Demonstrate proficiency with computerized forms and accuracy in recordkeeping (fish mortality).

Operation and Maintenance of Facility
Tasks include: 
Monitors water flow and quality parameters; take water samples and readings, e.g. dissolved gases, suspend settleable solids, and other parameters as required.
Monitors and maintains facility support systems
Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.

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

Public Contact and Communications
Tasks include:
Responds to questions from visitors from the facility.
Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner.
Identifies the best way to respond when faced with difficult-to-answer questions or when information is not readily obtainable.
Follows up to ensure that an answer was obtained.

Working Conditions: Hours could vary greatly, some short days and some long days depending on weather and availability of fish. Typically work 5 8-hour days per week, depending on time of year; includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.  Working outside in adverse weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities.   May need to travel to other facilities to assist in broodstock collection.  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; able to identify adult salmonids
2. Water dynamics (e.g. flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature, etc.)
3. Basic math (add/subtract/multiply/divide); calculate and understand quantities and proportions
4. Computer knowledge; basic understanding of spreadsheets, word processing
5. Calibration of specialized instruments (e.g. scales, Dissolved Oxygen meters)
6. Safe and proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment
7. Knowledge of available resources and guides needed to help complete forms and documents correctly
8. Applicable agency policies and procedures
9. Safety regulations

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.