Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (FHS2) – In-Training 
Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal
Season Length- 6 months - January 1 – June 30 
Duty Station- Arlington Hatchery - Arlington, Washington – Snohomish County
Standby- Currently assigned 
Housing: Not provided 
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 - $3,239.00 - $4,299.00 monthly
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 - $3,558.00 - $4,740.00 monthly 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Be a part of the future of fish conservation in Washington while gaining valuable hands-on experience!

Perform scientific, technical, and maintenance duties at Arlington Hatchery and trap sites within the complex, and rear anadromous and in-land species of fish.

What to Expect-

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

Fish Culture: 

• Feeds fish their calculated daily ration.
• Monitors fish behavior, fish health and egg and fish production.
• Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Performs fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.
• Record data and identify multiple marks by sight, UV lights or mechanical devices.
• Identify all targeted and non-targeted species, gender, stock origin and condition of maturity when trapping and spawning adults.
• Conducts remote trapping and spawning operations, including transport of equipment and gametes.
• Receive eggs and samples and distribute them into rearing vessels at correct loadings as well as ponds fry according to proper TU’s.
• Load truck according to safe hauling densities, utilizes proper oxygen levels and monitors fish during transport.
• 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.
• Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensures rearing areas are secure.
• Understand correct safety protocols for all hazardous chemicals/drugs used for all treatments and chemical storage/handling.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

• Proficient use of computers and software to perform various aspects of hatchery work, including data entry, record keeping and 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.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:

• Design/fabricate needed hatchery equipment such as fish racks, weirs, intakes screens, fish transfer equipment, adult fish gates using metal, aluminum, plastic, and wood.
• Design and build chemical delivery systems for egg and fish treatments.
• Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment.

Public Interaction and Communication:

• Respond to questions from visitors to the facility and conduct organized tours.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Will work outside in all weather conditions, approximately 250 days a year. Perform strenuous physical activities including repetitively lifting at least 50lbs and using a respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at facility. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – the following Wednesday (10 days), 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. working 10 days on 4 days off schedule. The work hours can vary at different times of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions.

Standby: Standby is currently assigned. Standby requires the employee being responsible for overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day. Response time is 30 minutes from the facility.

Housing: Not provided.   

Travel Requirements: Travel may be required for short periods to accomplish agency goals and required training.

Tools and Equipment: Hand and power 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.

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

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

OR

An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or a closely allied field.

OR

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

OR

Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.

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

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

OR

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

OR

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.

OR

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 will substitute for the required education.

Certifications/Licenses: 

Valid Driver’s License

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires standby duties with a response time of 30 minutes from the facility.
• A valid Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License may be required, and recertification of this license is required during a 5-year period. 

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Basic fish culture techniques and rearing procedures.
• Water dynamics such as flows, flow patterns, availability, temperature. 
• Basic math skills and calculating and understanding quantities and proportions.
• Computer knowledge and basic understanding of spreadsheets, word processing.
• Calibration of specialized instruments such as scales and Dissolved Oxygen meters. 
• Safe and proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Knowledge of available resources and guides needed to help complete forms and documents. 

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-11035.

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