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 permanent Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 In-training position in the Fish Program, Hatchery Division.  The duty station the Kendal Creek Hatchery located at 6263 Mt. Baker HWY, Deming, WA. 98244.

Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 (FHS1): Performs a variety of technical and scientific fish culture duties, performs hatchery related maintenance, and participates in an agency supervised fish culture training program.  Upon satisfactory completion of the in-training plan will automatically be promoted to a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.  DutiesFish Culture;
Feeds fish their calculated daily ration;
Monitors fish behavior and health, predominately aware of potential breakouts of columnaris and Ichthyophthirius.
Monitors egg and fish production
Administers therapeutants, calculates and administers drugs as prescribed
Identifies, sorts, and samples species for spawning and adult distribution;
Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems,
Identifies marked adults and collects tags/marks for bio sampling and records data;
Collects fish tissue and fluid samples and records data
Performs fish inventories, splits, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, releases and plants fish.
Works at all other facilities in the Mt. Baker Complex on all aspects of fish culture.

Recordkeeping and Reporting
Enters data into forms and spreadsheets
Demonstrates proficiency with computerized forms and accuracy (e.g. fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, and chemical usage);
Fills out agency forms such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice tickets, etc.
Submits complete and accurate forms required.
Complete contract reports.
Assists in developing in-house forms.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility
Monitors water flow and quality parameters; takes water samples and readings (e.g. dissolved gases, suspended settleable solids, and other parameters as required).
Maintains 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.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment
Operates tractor and vehicles for hatchery use.
Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds;
Communicates safety concerns in a timely and accurate manner (management
Identifies and communicates safety concerns (management to staff and staff to management), uses tools and equipment properly and safely.

Public Contact and Communications
Responds to/answers questions from visitors to the facility.
Conducts organized tours
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.
Follow-up to ensure that an answer was obtained.

Working Conditions
40 hours Monday to Friday 8:00-4:30 or 10 days on for day off and typically work is 5 – 8 hour days per week, depending on the time of year; includes days, nights, weekends and holidays as needed. Ability to lift 50 lbs, work out doors in all weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities. Public interaction as well as interaction with co-managers and other regulatory agencies required.  This position requires a valid driver’s license.

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).

QualificationsOne year of experience of Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 OR  Associate’s degree in fisheries technology or closely allied field; OR Three years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or closely allied field.  OR Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.  OR Three years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery will substitute for the required education.  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 lift 50 lbs, 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:

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.