Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Washougal Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-08937

State of Washington; Washougal (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Job summary

The State of Washington, Washougal Hatchery, is seeking a Fish Hatchery Specialist in an in‑training path to advance from FHS1 to FHS2. The role involves hands-on fish culture, daily feeding, health monitoring, and data entry while gaining practical field experience at the Washougal Hatchery in Skamania County.

Housing is provided and a Class B CDL must be obtained within six months. Full-time, on-site duties include maintenance, safety, and outreach activities with the public.

Qualifications

• Mentoring and career development through an in-training program.
• Must obtain a Class B CDL within six months of hire (agency provided).
• Duties include maintaining water flow, records, and compliance with hatchery procedures.

Responsibilities

• Calculates and feeds fish according to pond populations and weight samples.
• Monitors fish health and egg production; disinfects eggs and maintains records.
• Performs water quality analysis and discharge monitoring as required.

Skills

Fish culture

Data entry

Safety compliance

Education

Associate’s degree in fisheries technology biology or closely allied field

Three years of experience in fish culture

Job description

Description

Classification-

Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)

Job Status-

Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program-

Fish Program – Hatcheries Division

Duty Station-

Washougal, Washington – Washougal Hatchery – Skamania County

Housing-

Housing is provided.

Standby-

Standby is currently assigned.

In-Training-

We are recruiting to fill this position at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 (FHS1) or Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (FHS2) classification. Candidates hired as an FHS1 will be required to complete an in-training plan in order to advance to the FHS2 classification.

Salary-

Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 - $3,653.00 - $4,866.00 monthly

Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 - $4,004.00 - $5,376.00 monthly

THIS position requires a Class B Commercial Driver’s License to be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Assist with fish conservation in Washington while gaining valuable hands-on experience! This is an opportunity to perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at the Washougal Hatchery. With your experience, you will rear anadromous (fish that spend part of their lives in both fresh and salt water, migrating from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn) and inland species of fish.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Fish Culture

• Calculates and feeds fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as needed.
• Monitors fish behavior and health.
• Monitors egg and fish production and disinfects and enumerates eggs.
• Administers therapeutics, calculates and administers drugs as prescribed.
• Identifies, sorts, and samples species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Identifies marked adults and collects tags/marks for bio sampling.
• Records data and is able to identify multiple marks by sight, UV lights or mechanical devices.
• Collects fish tissue and fluid samples for Fish Health Specialists without contaminating samples.
• Performs fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.
• Picks eggs loss by hand or using equipment and incubates for facility programs or shipments.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Proficient use of computers and software in order 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.
• Assist or develops forms or spreadsheets for more efficient record keeping.
• Performs water quality analysis and discharge monitoring reports (DMR) as required by the Department of Ecology to maintain hatchery discharge permits (NPDES).
• Create programs to calculate desired growth rates through yearly rearing cycle (Projection sheets) that monitor fish sizes using samples & feed conversions.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment

• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Performs standby which requires responding to alarms and taking appropriate action to preserve facility programs, tests alarms and reports failures to agency personnel.
• Monitors and maintains facility support systems i.e. diesel generators, domestic and ozone water treatment plants, alarm panels and other support systems.
• Actively identifies safety hazards and takes action or recommends remedies as appropriate.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.

Communications

• Responds to questions from visitors to the facility and conducts organized tours.
• Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner.
• Attend school presentations and/or career fairs, sportsmen shows, county fairs and give lectures at schools and local organizations, and supervises participants in fish derbies.
• Communicates with inter agency staff or outside entities both verbally and in writing as needed regarding hatchery infrastructure or facility programs, i.e. local Public Utility Districts, co‑managers and others.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Outside in all weather conditions. Typically the employee in this position will be working outside about 250 days a year. This employee will be required to work in all sorts of weather conditions whether it is raining, snowing, sunny, dark, cold or hot. At times this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs. Also will need to use respirator and other PPE while 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 judgement and assist in training entry level employees.

Schedule:

This position is full‑time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel requirements:

Travel may be required in order to accomplish agency goals.

Standby:

This position requires standby with a response time within 30 minutes, 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, 3 days of non‑standby duty, followed by 4 days off.

Customer Interactions:

Communicate effectively with public and volunteers. Will interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis who visit the hatchery to answer questions and give tours.

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:

Option 1: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Option 2: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or a closely allied field.

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

Option 4: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.

License: Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirement/Condition Of Employment:

Obtain a Class B CDL within six (6) months of hire (agency provided).

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

Option 1: Four (4) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Option 2: One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 and successful completion of agency supervised training program.

Option 3: 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 4: 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 5: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

License: Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirement/Condition Of Employment:

Obtain a Class B CDL within six (6) months of hire (agency provided).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four (4) year degree in fisheries or closely associated field.
• A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

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).

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full‑time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full‑time work (e.g. part‑time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full‑time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits:

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation:

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security:

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:

If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays:

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note:

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave:

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave):

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357‑58‑175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357‑31‑165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave:

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave:

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave:

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026