Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal
Season Length- 6 Months – October 1 – March 31. For the 2025 season, this position is anticipated to begin November 1, 2025.
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Goldendale, Washington – Goldendale Hatchery – Klickitat County
Housing- No additional housing available.
Standby- Not currently assigned.
In-Training- We are recruiting to hire at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 (FHS1) or Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (FHS2) level. We will train a new hire at level FHS1 up to the FHS2 level.
Salary-Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:
Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 - $3,581.00 - $4,771.00 monthly
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 - $3,925.00 - $5,271.00 monthly

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to support salmon, steelhead, and trout conservation efforts while providing sustainable recreational, tribal, and commercial opportunities in the state of Washington.

This is an opportunity to perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at hatchery facilities and trap sites within a complex, rearing anadromous and non-anadromous species of fish.

In this dynamic role, you will monitor destination lake temperature, depths, pathway to lake, access during low water events, and direct planting of trout into lakes and tempers the water in the tank if necessary.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Fish Culture.

• Calculates and feeds fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as needed.
• Monitors egg and fish production and disinfects and enumerates eggs.
• Administers therapeutics, calculates and administers drugs as prescribed.
• Identifies, sorts, and samples 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.

Record Keeping and Reporting.

• Proficient use of computers and software in order to perform various aspects of hatchery work, including data entry, record keeping, reporting (both within and outside agency).
• Accurately fills out and submits agency forms such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice forms and other relevant forms.
• Assist or develops forms or spreadsheets for more efficient record keeping.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment.

• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments
• Performs standby which requires responding to alarms and taking appropriate action to preserve facility programs, tests alarms and reports failures to agency personnel. 
• Monitors and maintains facility support systems i.e. diesel generators, domestic and ozone water treatment plants, alarm panels and other support systems.
• Actively identifies safety hazards and takes actions or recommends remedies as appropriate.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Outside in all weather conditions. This employee will be required to work in all sorts of weather conditions whether it is raining, snowing, sunny, dark, cold or hot. At times this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs. Use respirator and other PPE while working with various chemicals used at facility. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Perform strenuous physical activities, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, gather and compile data, and use sound judgment.

Schedule:  October 1st – March 31st. 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. The work hours can vary greatly at different time of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions.

Travel requirements: Travel may be required in order to accomplish agency goals.

Housing:  Housing is not available.

Standby: 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.

Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with public and volunteers. Employee will interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required 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: 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.

License:  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: Associate degree in fisheries technology 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 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. 

Option 5: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery. 

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

• Four-year degree in Fisheries or closely associated field.

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 (3) 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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-06559.

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