Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Naselle River Hatchery - Permanent - 2025-07108

Towson

Washington

On-site

USD 39,963 - 58,824

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A state wildlife agency in Washington is seeking a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) to work at the Naselle River Hatchery. Key duties include managing fish culture, performing scientific maintenance tasks, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Candidates should possess an Associate’s degree or relevant experience. This position requires outdoor work and interaction with the public.

Qualifications

Valid Driver’s License required.
Forklift certification within the first year of employment is necessary.

Responsibilities

Calculate and feed fish according to pond populations.
Monitor fish behavior and health.
Perform maintenance duties around hatchery.

Skills

Fish culture duties

Data entry and reporting

Chemical handling

Physical stamina (lifting 50lbs)

Public interaction

Education

Associate’s degree in fisheries technology or related field

Tools

Power and hand tools

Water sampling instruments

Computers and software

Job description

Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Naselle River Hatchery - Permanent - 2025-07108

Classification: Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status: Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program: Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station: Naselle River Hatchery – Naselle, Washington – Pacific County
Housing: No additional housing available
Standby: Not 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 - Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:
Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 Salary Range: $3,581.00 - $4,771.00
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 Salary Range: $3,925.00 - $5,271.00

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !

Support salmon, steelhead, and trout conservation efforts while providing sustainable recreational, tribal, and commercial opportunities in the state of Washington.

Join the Naselle River Hatchery team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at hatchery facilities and trap sites within a complex, rearing anadromous and inland species of fish.

What to Expect

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

Perform Fish Culture Duties

Calculate and feed fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed.
Monitor fish behavior, health, and production.
Administer therapeutics, calculate, and administer drugs as prescribed.
Identify, sort, and sample species for spawning and adult distribution.
Clean ponds, raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for biological sampling.
Pick eggs loss by hand or using equipment and incubate for facility programs or shipments.
Conduct remote trapping and spawning operations, including transport of equipment and gametes.
Follow proper safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals and treatments (e.g., formalin, peroxide, anesthetics, paint thinner, gas/diesel).
Contact Fish Health Specialists when fish show signs of disease or illness and assist with treatment and diagnosis.

Record Keeping and Reporting

Use computers and software for data entry, record keeping, and reporting within and outside the agency.
Conduct water quality analysis and complete Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR) as required by the Department of Ecology to maintain hatchery discharge permits.
Update programs to calculate desired growth rates through yearly rearing cycle (Projection sheets) that monitor fish sizes using samples and feed conversions.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment

Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments.
Monitor and maintain facility support systems (e.g., diesel generators, domestic and ozone water treatment plants, alarm panels).
Identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies.
Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, fish pumps and common power tools.
Design/fabricate hatchery equipment (e.g., fish racks, weirs, intake screens, fish transfer equipment, adult fish gates) using metal, aluminum, plastic, and wood materials.
Inspect, clean, and repair employee safety equipment; test and record results, including respirator use and cartridge tracking.

Communication

Interact professionally with the public, lead tours, and respond to visitor questions.
Communicate closely with supervisors and coworkers regarding hatchery operations and infrastructure.

Working Conditions

Work setting, including hazards

Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions (rain, snow, sun, darkness, cold or heat). The position typically requires outdoor work approximately 250 days per year.
Repetitively lift at least 50lbs.
Use respirator and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with various chemicals used at facility.
This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Perform strenuous physical activities, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, gather and compile data, use sound judgment, and assist in training entry level employees.

Schedule

Typically, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The work hours may vary greatly for this position at different times of the year depending on work schedule and weather conditions.

Standby

Standby duties are not currently assigned. This position may require standby, which involves overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day when on duty. The standby schedule consists of working 10 consecutive days, including 7 days of standby duty, followed by 4 days off.

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 it 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: No additional housing available.

Travel Requirements

Travel may be required to accomplish agency goals.

Tools and Equipment

Perform mechanical tasks using power and hand 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 engine, computers, and software.

Customer interactions

Interact with members of the public and volunteers 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: An 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.

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: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology 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, biology 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.

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

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

Forklift certification within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
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.

Employment Eligibility Verification

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:

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

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