Animal Caretaker

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Underwood (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking an Animal Caretaker at the Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery in Region 1.

The role covers care from spawning through egg collection and release, including active participation in feeding, handling, and daily maintenance activities. Applicants should be prepared for physically demanding work in varying outdoor conditions, with safety gear and protective clothing provided.

Responsibilities

• Actively involved in the hatchery production cycle from spawning to egg care, feeding, hatching, fry care, rearing and release.
• Operates forklift trucks with lifting capacity under 10,000 pounds and up to 14 feet height as needed to move pallets and materials.
• Perform routine maintenance and general duties around buildings, grounds, and fleet using hand and power tools, including cleaning and trash removal.

Job description

Open: October 15, 2026 — Closes: October 28, 2026

Summary

You will serve as a Animal Caretaker for Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery.

Major Duties

The major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Actively involved in the entire production cycle of the hatchery from spawning to egg care and feeding, to hatching and fry care, to raising of fry, to rearing and release of adult fish, and subsequent harvesting of new eggs to continue the cycle. In addition to routine care requirements, at this level, incumbent decides the care and feeding required according to their personal observations at the time in question. Operates electric, gasoline, or diesel-powered forklift trucks with rated lifting capacity of less than 10,000 pounds, to a height up to14 feet. Operates the lifting and tilting controls, and steers the vehicle, with automatic or manual transmissions (with up to 4 speeds), into position to load, move, transport, and stack goods and materials contained on pallets, skids, crates, or boxes. Performs assignments relative to general maintenance e.g., buildings, grounds, facilities, and/or fleet using simple hand tools and simple power equipment. This includes picking up trash, emptying trashcans, mowing grass, trimming shrubs, clearing small trees or brush, performing minor repairs on traps and fences, washing or cleaning vehicles, etc. Physical Effort: Regular and recurring work requires heavy physical effort. The incumbent must be physically able to withstand arduousconditions. This typically involves: Physical exertion: frequent lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling fish, feeding trays, feed, supplies, and materials of varying weights, sizes, and shapes up to 50 pounds. Feed lifted is generally 50 pounds to height of 4 feet. Occasionally, lifting between 80-100 pounds is required. Physical effort: prolonged standing, walking, stooping, bending, and climbing. Strain: lack of movement, standing in place or stooping for extended periods of time; manual dexterity involved in handling live fish, frequent immersion of hands in cold water. Incumbent is subject to bites and scratches on hands and arms during the spawning process where incumbent will be handling large fish where the ability to move fast and decisively is critical. The work requires periods of sustained exertion. In emergency operations, such as cleaning and adjustment of water intake structures during high water, leaf drop, or in spawning operations, where the need to work rapidly in sorting and selecting fish for egg selection is critical to keeping the mortality rate low. Working Conditions: The work environment is a quasi-industrial. The hazards, physical hardships, and working conditions to which theincumbent will be exposed while performing the assigned work includes working in and around running water, indoorsand outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures. Outdoor work requires frequent exposure to wet and slippery surfaces, strong and unpleasant odors, drafts, loud noise, dust, and dirt. If forklift or motor vehicle operation is identified as a duty, the incumbent will also maneuver vehicles in congested areas and over rough terrain. Indoor work is often accomplished in office buildings or in well-lighted, heated, and ventilated areas. At this level there is greater possibility of injury. Incumbent is subject to bites and scratches on hands and arms during the spawning process where incumbent will be handling large fish coming out from under the anesthetic at unforeseen moments in enclosed and constrained confines where the ability to move fast and decisively is critical. Work requires the incumbent to follow proper safety procedures, use standard safety equipment, and wear protective clothing and gear such as coveralls, aprons, rubber clothing, gloves, goggles, ear protectors, safety shoes, and glasses to avoid possible hazards. Safety devices will be provided to ensure safe trade practices are adhered to in order to minimize the opportunity for injury and exposure to harmful chemicals and/or diseases.