Working Title – Hatchery Operations Manager Region 5 
Classification – WMS Band 2
Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program – Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station – Merwin Hatchery in Ariel, Washington, is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate, other duty stations within Region 5 may be considered.
Southwest Region 5 Hatcheries Served – Goldendale, Washougal, Skamania, Vancouver, Lewis River, Merwin, Speelyai, North Toutle, and Beaver Creek Hatcheries.
Remote Employment – Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 3 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until April 24, 2025.  The first review of applications will take place on March 27, 2025.  Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about fisheries conservation and ready to lead hatchery operations in Washington?

As our Hatchery Operations Manager for Region 5, you will oversee multiple hatchery facilities, ensuring compliance with the Endangered Species Act, hatchery reform initiatives, and best management practices.

In this critical leadership role, you will provide strategic direction on broodstock management, facility operations, and environmental compliance.  

This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with partners and implement science-driven solutions that support fish recovery programs and sustainable fisheries.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hatchery Operations Manager for Region 5 will, 

• Provide Leadership and Supervision: Ensure that staff understand goals and expectations. Promote cohesive and cooperative teamwork within operational guidelines. 
• Budget Management: Ensure that budget proposals are accurate and with costs fully documented before presenting to Fish Program or funding entities.
• Long-term, Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans that reflect understanding/consideration for key issues and needs of constituents and the agency.
• Internal and External Constituent Communications: Ensure that affected parties are kept informed about agency and Fish Program goals and activities.
• Managing Production of the Complex: Ensure that brood documents are understood, modified as required, and complied with.  Staff takes ownership for production goals and can accurately communicate with the public regarding facility goals and activities.
• Operational and Administrative Compliance: Ensure that facilities operate in compliance with all permits, policies, and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: Office setting with rare outdoor facilitation of hatchery operations. Travel to and from other facilities within the complex is routine and may occur during inclement weather conditions.

Schedule: Expected to schedule work time within a typical 40-hour work week (Typically, Monday – Friday - 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Travel Requirements: Position requires frequent travel. Travel includes traveling between complex facilities, and occasionally to Olympia and Regional Offices.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

There are two options in which to qualify listed below: 

Option 1: 

A Degree in fish biology, fish culture, or other applicable programs. 

AND

Two (2) years of experience in the following:

• Supervising hatchery staff. 
• Negotiating budgets. 
• Working with diverse operation budgets and budget management. 
• Maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal, or other agencies.
• Knowledge and use of federal, state, and tribal regulations. 
• Proficiency with computers and software including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Certifications: 
Valid Driver’s License.  

Option 2: 

Five (5) years of advanced senior level experience in all the following: 

• Fish and salmonid culture practices.
• Fish health diagnosis, treatment, monitoring & evaluation and management practices.

AND 

Two (2) years of experience in the following (may be gained concurrently with the experience above):

• Supervising hatchery staff. 
• Negotiating budgets. 
• Working with diverse operation budgets and budget management. 
• Maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal, or other agencies.
• Knowledge and use of federal, state, and tribal regulations. 
• Proficiency with computers and software including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Certifications: 
Valid Driver’s License.  

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

• Proficiency with Contracts and Projects System (CAPS) Financial and Fishbooks (WDFW).
• Experience with department policies and procedures.

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

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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01932.

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