Depending on qualifications, expectations of the position’s duties or level of supervisor oversight may vary.
Our Fish Hatchery Specialist 2,
- Performs fish marking techniques for identification and recovery of species.
- Identifies, sorts and processes marked brood fish – compiles and records data for biological analysis.
- Calculates daily feed requirements, feeding frequency, and delivery rates based on species, densities, fish size, temperature, flows, turbidity, dissolved oxygen levels, fish health and desired growth rates.
- Monitors fish behavior and records mortalities – examines mortalities for clinical signs of fish pathogens and monitors water quality/rearing environments.
- Administers the correct dose of drugs and anesthetic – calibrates, cleans, and sterilizes inoculation and fish handling equipment.
- Liberates various sizes and species of fish to the waters of the state, using airplane, backpack, barge, truck, forced release, and volitional release methods – operates vehicles equipped with fish tanks of various sizes in compliance with state and federal laws.
- Collects, monitors, and records weather and water quality parameters which includes temperatures, flow, turbidity, dissolved oxygen/total gas, pH, total suspended solids (TSS), and settle-able solids (SS) – monitors, adjusts, and maintains water treatment systems.
- Makes scheduled and/or emergency repairs to structures such as buildings, docks, rearing vessels, and net pens.
- Operates, monitors, maintains, and repairs mechanical or electrical systems for chemical delivery, domestic and hatchery water supplies, feed delivery, filters and hatchery intakes, sewage, and ventilation.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is performed outdoors, in all weather conditions at the hatchery, at the net pen facility and on boat/barge operations on large lakes.
- Work includes performing strenuous physical activities and mechanical tasks.
- In-Training Plan:
- The 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 12-month in-training plan, the selected candidate will automatically be promoted to a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.
- Schedule:
- Typically, Monday – Sunday – 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- This position is also on call 24/7 when on standby.
- Standby:
- Standby duties are currently assigned. (Candidate will need to be within 45 minutes response time while on standby).
- 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 standby 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:
- This position does not provide on-site housing.
- Customer Interactions:
- Communicate effectively with the public and provide tours.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of water dynamics (e.g. flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.).
- Basic math (add, subtract, multiply, and divide) skills.
- Basic understanding of spreadsheets and word processing.
- Knowledge of and ability to calibrate specialized instruments (e.g. scales, dissolved oxygen meters, flow meters, and pressure gauges).
Ability to:
- Safely/properly use tools and equipment while performing maintenance.
- Troubleshoot on-site mechanical malfunctions.
- Review, understand and apply safety regulations.
- Calculate and understand quantities and proportions
- Assist in training entry level employees
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions while performing strenuous physical activities, perform mechanical tasks using power and hand tools.
- Follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, gather, and compile data, and use sound judgment.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Some positions will require a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License or the ability to obtain a license within 2 years of being hired.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Basic fish culture techniques and rearing procedures.
- One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 and successful completion of agency supervised training program.
- Associate degree in fisheries technology, biology, or closely allied field
- Two years of education towards a bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or closely allied field.
- Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.
- One year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
Knowledge of:
- Fish species, gender, and disease signs.
- Working knowledge of biological principles, hydrology, fish ecology, river ecosystem, spawning protocols.
- Fish culture methods and techniques.
- Math and descriptive statistics, scientific terminology, and techniques.
- Mechanical equipment repair, methods, equipment, and supplies used in maintenance of hatchery structures and grounds.
Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
In order to successfully 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.
- Resumes and/or cover letters are preferred but not mandatory.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!
The Washington 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. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
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).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
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 (for example: #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 (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov
Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and 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.
This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WDFW’s legal obligations: maintain animal husbandry, maintain hatchery operations to ensure fish/animals stay alive and associated testing/vet response etc.
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.