Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Vancouver Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-04913

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: $3,581.00 - $4,771.00 Fish Hatchery Specialist 2: $3,925.00 - $5,271.00 The salaries listed above do not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026. Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW! Photo Caption: Vancouver Hatchery Fish Planting - Photo Credit: WDFW Support salmon, steelhead, and trout conservation efforts while providing sustainable recreational, tribal, and commercial opportunities in the state of Washington. Join the team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at the Vancouver Hatchery. This is a unique opportunity to partner with a non-profit organization, Columbia Springs. This position will interact with Columbia Springs staff, other non-profit organizations, and large volumes of people to educate and inspire stewardship regarding Washington's natural resources. Learn more here. 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, adjusting feed size and amount fed as needed.
• Monitor fish behavior, health, and production.
• Administer therapeutics and calculate/administer drugs as prescribed.
• Clean ponds, raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
• Pick egg loss by hand or using equipment, fertilize eggs according to pre-determined ratios and Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) requirements, and incubate eggs using a variety of vessels.
• Load fish into trucks for transport according to safe hauling densities, utilizing proper oxygen levels and monitoring fish during transport.
• Monitor water quality parameters using dissolved oxygen meters, calibrating when needed, and chemicals to ensure a safe rearing environment.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Use computers and software to perform various aspects of hatchery work including data entry, record keeping, and record keeping within and outside the agency.
• Accurately fill out and submit agency forms such as fish transfer tickets and hatchery invoice forms.
• Perform 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 and feed conversions.
• Maintain purchasing card account, ledger of hatchery expenses, and complete order payment forms for vendor payments.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:

• Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Actively identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around the hatchery to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
• Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, fish pumps, and common power tools.
• Design/fabricate needed hatchery equipment (such as fish racks, weirs, intake screens, fish transfer equipment, and adult fish gates) using metal, aluminum, plastic, and wood.

Working Conditions: Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions for approximately 250 days per year. Perform strenuous physical activities such as repetitively lifting fish feed bags, salt blocks, and hatchery equipment weighing at least 50 pounds. Use a respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at the facility. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule: Typically, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., following a 10 days on and 4 days off schedule. 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. * Standby: Standby duties are currently assigned. Standby 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. While on standby the incumbent must have a response time of 15-30 minutes, dependent on time of year.

Housing: Housing is not provided for this position. Travel: Travel may be required to accomplish agency goals. Tools and Equipment: Hand and power tools, lawn care equipment, tractors, forklifts, welding equipment, egg picking machines, water sampling instruments, small and large fish transport trucks, passenger vehicles, adult fish pumps, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engines, and computers. Customer interactions: This position is located at a facility with a partner organization, Columbia Springs, and will regularly interact with community groups, individual members of the public, and volunteers. Columbia Springs is a non-profit organization that offers educational experiences that foster a greater awareness of the natural world and inspire stewardship. With this partnership, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (FHS2) is required to engage and communicate with Columbia Springs staff along with other non-profit organizations, school-age tour groups, and a high number of public and visitors. This position will talk to groups, ranging in size from a few to large numbers of people, during tours of the facility and assist in facilitating an annual kids fishing event., 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2026-1234 - Biologist 1 - Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Do you have experience in Customer communication?, Do you have a Trade school?, 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. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Standby duties require a 15-30-minute response time to the facility.
• Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

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: 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 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. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Standby duties require a 15-30-minute response time to the facility.
• Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Two (2) or four (4) year degree in fisheries or closely associated field.
• Salmonid fish culture experience.
• Class A or Class B CDL with tanker endorsement.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator's License.

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