State of Washington
Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 - Wallace River Hatchery - Permanent - 2025-07411
State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States
Classification
Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 Job Status
Full-Time – Permanent Program & Duty Station
WDFW Fish Program – Hatcheries Division Wallace River Hatchery – Sultan, Washington – Snohomish County Housing
Housing is Provided Standby
Standby duties are currently assigned. About the Role
At Wallace River Hatchery you will perform scientific, technical, and maintenance duties that support fish population goals, prioritize safety, identify improvement areas, and create educational opportunities. What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 will: Fish Culture and Data Collection
Carry out sound fish culture practices to meet program goals. Project and monitor fish growth and feed requirements. Perform fish inventories, splits, grading, marking, and weight samples. Lead crew in feeding, cleaning, and transferring fish, determining proper rearing densities. Collect genetic samples (opercula punches, dorsal ray samples) for population analysis. Collect biological and environmental samples such as fish tissue, scales, ovarian fluid, water, and feed for laboratory transport; prepare samples using dissection, vacuum filtration, and aseptic technique. Coordinate on‑station and off‑site fish planting activities. Implement on‑site biological research projects, train lower‑level staff, and provide input to design changes based on findings. Physical Operation & Maintenance of Facility
Maintain working components such as pumps, motors, vehicles, alarms, generators, and flashlights. Maintain grounds during seasonal events with lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, pressure washers, forklifts, tractors, generators, and carpentry tools. Monitor water quality and rearing environments. Manage fish traps and ladders. Order tools and supplies. Keep intake screens and fish ways operable and clear of debris. Operate, maintain, and adjust water intake structures as river levels change. Crew Leadership
Monitor project completion timelines. Ensure staff productivity and information. Serve as a leader and role model for staff, temporary workers, and volunteers. Demonstrate, instruct, and train others. Demonstrate commitment to learning and self‑improvement. Plan daily and cyclic hatchery work schedules. Act as agency liaison and project manager of contracted crews during fish marking programs. Communications
Keep supervisor and management informed on production issues. Communicate with Fish Health Pathologists and Epidemiologists. Perform outreach and education duties through community presentations and material preparation on hatchery operations and species information. Data Management
Maintain a well‑organized facility filing system. Ensure staff know where and how to collect and record data. Assist with reporting of escapement using Fishbook. Working Conditions
Work outside in all weather conditions (typically 250 days a year), independently or in inclement weather. Repetitive lifting of at least 50 lbs. Work in or near water, including tasks that require navigating and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule
Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Occasional evenings or weekends as required. Standby duties: 10 consecutive days with 7 days of standby, followed by 4 days off. Response time 15–30 minutes on standby. Travel Requirements
May be required for short periods to accomplish agency goals and required training. Tools & Equipment
Hand and power tools; lawn care equipment; tractors; forklifts; welding equipment; egg picking machines; water sampling instruments; fish transport trucks; passenger vehicles; fish pumps and counters; coded wire tag equipment; trash pumps; pressure washers; generators; computers and software. Customer Interactions
Communicate effectively with the public and volunteers. Interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis who visit the hatchery to answer questions and give tours. Required Qualifications
Option 1: Six (6) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery. Option 2: One (1) year as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2. Option 3: Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology or a closely allied field and two (2) years of fish culture experience. Option 4: Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology or a closely allied field and two (2) years of fish culture experience. Option 5: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and two (2) years of fish culture experience. Certifications & Licenses
Valid Driver’s License. Special Requirements
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft. On standby: response time 15–30 minutes. Preferred Qualifications
Two (2) or four (4) year degree in fisheries or a closely associated field with relevant experience. Application Requirements
Completed online application. Current resume. Cover letter detailing interest, relevant skills and experience, and suitability. At least three professional references. Benefits
Pay and other special employee programs, benefits, and employee programs are available through WDFW. View the Benefits tab for details. Important Note
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9) on the first day. Provide documentation proving eligibility to work in the United States. Union
This position is covered by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP) collective bargaining agreement. Veteran & Military Spouse Preference Notice
Veterans and qualifying spouses may receive preference during the initial application review. Notify via email to provide DD214 or verification and follow application instructions. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment. All staff are empowered to contribute fully to the agency and its community. Request an Accommodation
Persons needing an accommodation in the application process may contact Jayme Chase by phone 360‑902‑2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov. Also use the TDD at 800‑833‑6388. Technical Difficulties
If you encounter technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll‑free at 855‑524‑5627 or email support@neogov.com. Other Questions
For additional questions, contact Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025‑07411. Follow Us
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 Job Status
Full-Time – Permanent Program & Duty Station
WDFW Fish Program – Hatcheries Division Wallace River Hatchery – Sultan, Washington – Snohomish County Housing
Housing is Provided Standby
Standby duties are currently assigned. About the Role
At Wallace River Hatchery you will perform scientific, technical, and maintenance duties that support fish population goals, prioritize safety, identify improvement areas, and create educational opportunities. What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 will: Fish Culture and Data Collection
Carry out sound fish culture practices to meet program goals. Project and monitor fish growth and feed requirements. Perform fish inventories, splits, grading, marking, and weight samples. Lead crew in feeding, cleaning, and transferring fish, determining proper rearing densities. Collect genetic samples (opercula punches, dorsal ray samples) for population analysis. Collect biological and environmental samples such as fish tissue, scales, ovarian fluid, water, and feed for laboratory transport; prepare samples using dissection, vacuum filtration, and aseptic technique. Coordinate on‑station and off‑site fish planting activities. Implement on‑site biological research projects, train lower‑level staff, and provide input to design changes based on findings. Physical Operation & Maintenance of Facility
Maintain working components such as pumps, motors, vehicles, alarms, generators, and flashlights. Maintain grounds during seasonal events with lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, pressure washers, forklifts, tractors, generators, and carpentry tools. Monitor water quality and rearing environments. Manage fish traps and ladders. Order tools and supplies. Keep intake screens and fish ways operable and clear of debris. Operate, maintain, and adjust water intake structures as river levels change. Crew Leadership
Monitor project completion timelines. Ensure staff productivity and information. Serve as a leader and role model for staff, temporary workers, and volunteers. Demonstrate, instruct, and train others. Demonstrate commitment to learning and self‑improvement. Plan daily and cyclic hatchery work schedules. Act as agency liaison and project manager of contracted crews during fish marking programs. Communications
Keep supervisor and management informed on production issues. Communicate with Fish Health Pathologists and Epidemiologists. Perform outreach and education duties through community presentations and material preparation on hatchery operations and species information. Data Management
Maintain a well‑organized facility filing system. Ensure staff know where and how to collect and record data. Assist with reporting of escapement using Fishbook. Working Conditions
Work outside in all weather conditions (typically 250 days a year), independently or in inclement weather. Repetitive lifting of at least 50 lbs. Work in or near water, including tasks that require navigating and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule
Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Occasional evenings or weekends as required. Standby duties: 10 consecutive days with 7 days of standby, followed by 4 days off. Response time 15–30 minutes on standby. Travel Requirements
May be required for short periods to accomplish agency goals and required training. Tools & Equipment
Hand and power tools; lawn care equipment; tractors; forklifts; welding equipment; egg picking machines; water sampling instruments; fish transport trucks; passenger vehicles; fish pumps and counters; coded wire tag equipment; trash pumps; pressure washers; generators; computers and software. Customer Interactions
Communicate effectively with the public and volunteers. Interact with small community groups and individual constituents on a regular basis who visit the hatchery to answer questions and give tours. Required Qualifications
Option 1: Six (6) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery. Option 2: One (1) year as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2. Option 3: Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology or a closely allied field and two (2) years of fish culture experience. Option 4: Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology or a closely allied field and two (2) years of fish culture experience. Option 5: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and two (2) years of fish culture experience. Certifications & Licenses
Valid Driver’s License. Special Requirements
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft. On standby: response time 15–30 minutes. Preferred Qualifications
Two (2) or four (4) year degree in fisheries or a closely associated field with relevant experience. Application Requirements
Completed online application. Current resume. Cover letter detailing interest, relevant skills and experience, and suitability. At least three professional references. Benefits
Pay and other special employee programs, benefits, and employee programs are available through WDFW. View the Benefits tab for details. Important Note
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9) on the first day. Provide documentation proving eligibility to work in the United States. Union
This position is covered by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP) collective bargaining agreement. Veteran & Military Spouse Preference Notice
Veterans and qualifying spouses may receive preference during the initial application review. Notify via email to provide DD214 or verification and follow application instructions. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment. All staff are empowered to contribute fully to the agency and its community. Request an Accommodation
Persons needing an accommodation in the application process may contact Jayme Chase by phone 360‑902‑2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov. Also use the TDD at 800‑833‑6388. Technical Difficulties
If you encounter technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll‑free at 855‑524‑5627 or email support@neogov.com. Other Questions
For additional questions, contact Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025‑07411. Follow Us
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
#J-18808-Ljbffr