Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
Duty Station- Cowlitz Trout Hatchery – Toledo, Washington – Lewis County
Housing- No additional housing available 
Standby- Not currently assigned
In-Training- We are recruiting to hire at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2 level, and we will train a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 up to the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2. 
Salary- Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows: 

• Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 Salary Range: $3,581.00 - $4,771.00
• Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 Salary Range: $3,925.00 - $5,271.00

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Support salmon, steelhead, and trout conservation efforts while providing sustainable recreational, tribal, and commercial opportunities in the state of Washington.

Join the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at hatchery facilities and trap sites within a complex, rearing anadromous and inland species of fish.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 will,

Perform Fish Culture Duties:

• Calculate and feed fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed.
• Monitor fish behavior and health.
• Monitor egg and fish production; disinfect and count eggs.
• Administer therapeutics, calculate, and administer drugs as prescribed.
• Identify, sort, and sample species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for biological sampling.
• Perform fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.
• Fertilize eggs with sperm, according to pre-determined ratios using established spawning protocols and HGMP requirements.
• Track temperature units (TU’s) and monitors chillers to adjust TU’s, including tracking thermal marks.
• Monitor water quality parameters using dissolved oxygen meters (calibrates when needed) and chemicals such as Hach kits in order to ensure a safe rearing environment.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Use computers and software for data entry, record keeping, and reporting within and outside the agency.
• Update programs to calculate desired growth rates through yearly rearing cycle (Projection sheets) that monitor fish sizes using samples and feed conversions.
• Monitor Ozone plant production, daily checklists and production testing, communicate positive and negative results to Tacoma Power Management.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:

• Monitor and maintain facility support systems such as diesel generators, water treatment plants (domestic and ozone), and alarm panels.
• Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, fish pumps and standard power tools.
• Perform service and maintain on small gas engines and hatchery-related equipment.
• Inspect, test, clean, and repair employee safety equipment; track respirator uses and testing results in accordance with safety protocols.

Communication:

• Interact professionally with the public, lead tours, and respond to visitor questions.
• Communicate closely with supervisors and coworkers regarding hatchery operations and infrastructure.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Work is primarily performed outdoors year-round, in all weather conditions – including exposure to heat, cold, rain, snow, and uneven, slippery, or unstable surfaces with multiple tripping hazards.
• Structural and environmental conditions may pose risks such as drowning, sprains, strains, fractures, lacerations and contusions.
• The unsafe operation of fleet vehicles, forklifts, tractors and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) may result in vehicular accidents.
• Use of various hand and power tools may result in harm to the operator.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals used for fish health may result with chemical burns, respiratory issues, eye damage, carcinogen exposure, or – in extreme cases - fatalities.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 

• Typically, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work hours may vary greatly at different times of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions.

Standby: 

• Standby duties are not currently assigned. This position may require standby, which involves overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day when on duty. The standby schedule consists of working 10 consecutive days, including 7 days of standby duty, followed by 4 days off.
  • All applicants applying for this position should understand 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.

Housing:

• No additional housing available.

Tools and Equipment: 

• Power and hand tools, lawn care equipment, tractors, forklifts, welding equipment, egg picking machines, water sampling instruments, transport trucks, passenger vehicles, adult fish pumps, adult fish counters, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engines, computers, and software. Operate equipment such as tractors, forklifts and Utility Task Vehicles (UTV’s).

Customer interactions: 

• Interact with members of the public and volunteers on a regular basis

QUALIFICATIONS:

This Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited hatchery and fish culture experience.

Candidates will be hired as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2, dependent on skills and experience.

Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month in-training plan, the selected candidate will automatically be promoted to a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.

Required Qualifications for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1:

Option 1: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology or closely allied field.

Option 2: Three (3) years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology or closely allied field.

Option 3: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.

Option 4: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Required Qualifications for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (Goal Class):

Option 1: One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 AND successful completion of agency supervised training program. 

Option 2: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology or closely allied field AND one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery. 

Option 3: Two (2) years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology or closely allied field AND one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Option 4: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school AND one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Please Note: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery may substitute for the required education. 

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Currently holds forklift certification or can obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Currently holds a valid First Aid/CPR certification or can obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

 Union- WAFHP:

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).

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

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.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05247.

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