Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Soos Creek Hatchery - Permanent - *05505-25
Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Auburn, Washington – Soos Creek Hatchery – King County
Housing- No additional housing available.
Standby- Standby is currently assigned.
In-Training- We are recruiting to hire at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 (FHS1) or Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (FHS2) level. We will train a new hire at level FHS1 up to the FHS2 level.
Salary-Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:
Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 - $3,581.00 - $4,771.00 monthly
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 - $3,925.00 - $5,271.00 monthly
Please note: Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
With your experience, you will rear anadromous and non-anadromous species of fish.
We are seeking a candidate to assist in the day-to-day facility operations and by performing standby duties, scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
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, 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.
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 acts or recommends remedies as appropriate.
- Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
Record Keeping and Reporting.
- 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).
- Compile, catalogue and store historic records at facility.
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 the facility. Perform strenuous physical activities, follow instructions, and complete assigned tasks, gather and compile data, use sound judgment, and assist in training entry level employees. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Monday – Wed (24/7) Non-Schedule. The work hours can vary greatly at different times of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions.
Standby: This position requires standby. The employee is responsible for overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day. While on standby this position will work ten days on and be off 4 days (Thursday-Sunday).
Travel requirements: Travel may be required to accomplish agency goals.
Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with public and volunteers Employee will 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.
License: Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Forklift certification (provided by agency).
Respirator and CPR training required within 6 months of employment (provided by agency).
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: Four (4) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.
License: Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Forklift certification (provided by agency).
Respirator and CPR training required within 6 months of employment (provided by agency).
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries or closely associated field.
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 (3) 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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05505.