Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Cowlitz Trout Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-06502

Description Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent WDFW Program- Fish Program - Division Duty Station- Cowlitz Trout Hatchery - Toledo, Washington – Lewis County Housing- No Additional Housing Available Standby- Not Currently Assigned In-Training- We are recruiting to fill this position at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2 classification. Candidates hired as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 will be required to complete an in-training plan in order to advance to the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 classification. Salary- Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows: Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 - $3,653.00 - $4,866.00 monthly Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 - $4,004.00 - $5,376.00 monthly Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW ! Photo Caption: Cutthroat trout – Photo Credit: WDFW This is an opportunity to build your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in hatchery operations. Join the team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties within the Cowlitz Hatchery, rearing anadromous and non-anadromous 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: • Calculate and feed fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as needed. • Monitor fish behavior and health. • Monitor egg and fish production and disinfect and enumerate eggs. • Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health. • Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for biological sampling. • Perform fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants. • 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. • Load truck according to safe hauling densities, utilizes proper oxygen levels and monitors fish during transport. Record Keeping and Recording: • Perform various aspects of hatchery work, including data entry, record keeping and reporting both within and outside the agency. • Monitor Ozone plant production, daily checklists, production testing, and communication to Tacoma Power Management. Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment: • Monitor and maintain facility support systems such as diesel generators, domestic and ozone water treatment plants, alarm panels and other support systems. • Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment. • Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment. Working Conditions: Work setting, including hazards: • Work is performed almost entirely outdoors and in inclement weather conditions. • Hazards may include navigating obstacles to avoid injury, as well as potential injuries associated with the operation of heavy equipment and the use of hand and power tools. • Exposure to hazardous chemicals used for fish health. • This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. The work hours can vary greatly at different times of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions. Housing: No additional housing available. Standby: Not currently assigned. Standby involves overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day. While on standby this position will work 10 days and be off 4. Travel Requirements: Travel may be required to accomplish agency goals. Tools and Equipment: 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 and computers and software. Customer Interactions: Interact with the public, volunteers and small community groups regularly. 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. Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License. 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. Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License. Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following: • Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License. • Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License. Your application must 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 d