What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Nason Creek Acclimation Facility - Permanent - *01641-25 position at State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife?
Description
Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Leavenworth, Washington – Chelan County – Nason Creek Acclimation Facility
Housing- No Additional Housing Available
- Standby- 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- Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 Salary Range: $3,239.00 - $4,299.00, Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 Salary Range: $3,558.00 - $4,740.00
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption – Spring Chinook Smolts – Photo Credit: 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 Nason Creek Acclimation Facility and trap sites within the complex, and rear anadromous species of fish.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist will,
Perform Fish Culture:
- Calculate and feed fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as needed.
- Trap adult salmonids for brood stock.
- Collect genetic samples from adult salmonids.
- Monitor fish behavior, health and fish production.
- Administer therapeutics, calculate, and administer drugs as prescribed.
- Identify, sort, and sample species for spawning.
- Clean ponds to maintain fish health
- Collect fish tissue and fluid samples for Fish Health Specialists without contaminating samples.
- Understand and adhere to safety protocols for the handling, storage, and use of hazardous chemicals and substances, including but not limited to formalin, peroxide, anesthetics, paint thinner, and fuel (gas/diesel).
- Scan fish for various tags using coded wire tag wands, pit tag detectors, and other tag associated equipment.
Record Keeping and Reporting:
- Proficient use of computers and software to perform various aspects of hatchery work, including data entry, record keeping, reporting (both within and outside agency).
Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:
- Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments
- Monitor and maintain facility support systems i.e. diesel generators, domestic and alarm panels and other support systems.
- Actively identify safety hazards and act or recommend remedies as appropriate
- Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment
- Utilize and maintain employee safety equipment as required, including inspecting, cleaning, and repairing equipment. Conduct safety equipment testing, track respirator cartridge usage, and document respirator test results.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work outside in all weather conditions and perform strenuous physical activities. Office work when required.
- Depending on the season, daily or regular lifting 50 lbs feed bags, often working alone around water, repetitively throwing motions while hand feeding fish, standing for long periods and shoveling snow in winter.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
- Climb up and down ladder into adult fish traps. After attending confined space training, enter confined spaces.
Schedule: 40 hours per week. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules. The work hours can vary greatly for this position at different times of the year depending on work schedule and weather conditions.
Standby: This position requires standby which means the employee is responsible for overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day and must be able to respond to facility in 1 hour. When on standby this position will require the employee to work 10 days on and 4 days off.
Housing: No additional housing available.
Travel Requirements: Relevant travel expectations. Travel may be required for short periods of time to accomplish agency goals and required training.
Tools and Equipment: Power and hand tools, lawn care equipment, water sampling instruments, passenger vehicles, forklifts, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detectors, trash pumps, pressure washers, snowblowers, snowplows diesel generators, small gas engine, computers, and software.
Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with the public and volunteers and interact with small community groups and individual constituents 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: 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
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Standby will be assigned. Requires a 1 hour response time to the facility.
- Class B CDL within must be obtained 12 months of hire
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 years (3) of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Standby will be assigned. Requires a one (1) hour response time.
- Class B CDL within must be obtained 12 months of hire
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Two (2) or four (4) year degree in fisheries or closely associated field.
- Three (3) years of hatchery experience.
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 #2025-01641.
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Salary : $3,239 - $4,299
