Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 - Speelyai Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-01808

Full Job Description

Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Speelyai Hatchery – Ariel, Washington – Cowlitz County

Housing- Housing is Provided.

*Standby- Standby is Currently Assigned

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Hatchery Steelhead Broodstock Collection – Photo Credit: WDFW

Be a part of the future of fish conservation in Washington while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Join the Speelyai Hatchery team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties within the hatchery

In this key role, you will assist in leading a crew during day-to-day facility operations and accomplishing production programs contributing to the sport, tribal, and commercial fisheries in Washington State.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 will,

Perform Fish Culture:

• Carry out sound fish culture practices to meet program goals.
• Project and monitor fish growth and feed requirements.
• Perform fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples, and plants.
• Lead crew members in feeding, cleaning, and transferring fish, determining the proper rearing densities for ponding and planting fish.
• Collect genetic samples (Opercula punches, Dorsal ray samples) for genetic population analysis.
• Collect various types of biological and environmental samples such as fish tissue, fish scales, ovarian fluid, water and feed for transport to laboratories; sample preparation includes dissection, vacuum filtration, and aseptic technique.
• Coordinate on-station and off-site fish planting activities.
• Independently implement on-site biological research projects to collect genetic samples, train lower-level staff in proper procedures in research protocols, as well as provide input into design changes driven by findings at the facility.

Crew Leader:

• Monitor projects/activities to ensure completion in a timely manner.
• Ensure that the staff is productive and well informed on activities.
• Serve as a leader and role model for staff, temporary workers, and volunteers.
• Demonstrate, instruct, and train others in methods on how to complete tasks.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.
• Plan daily and cyclic hatchery work schedules.
• Act as agency liaison and project manager of the contracted crews during fish marking programs.

Physical Operation and Maintenance of Facility:

• Ensure that working components of the fish hatchery are kept in good condition such as pumps and motors, vehicles, alarms, generators, and flashlights.
• Maintain the grounds in appearance and upkeep during seasonal events using lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, pressure washers, forklifts, tractors, generators, and carpentry power tools.
• Monitor water quality and quality rearing environments.
• Manage the operation of fish traps and ladders.
• Order tools and supplies to meet facility needs.

Communications:

• Keep supervisor and management well informed on production issues that may lead to fish health concerns or program shortfalls.
• Communicate with outside entities to implement agency-approved projects, as the facility subject matter expert.
• Communicate with Fish Health Pathologists and Epidemiologists to ensure appropriate fish culture activities.
• Perform outreach and education duties through community presentations and the preparation of materials for educational purposes on the hatchery operations and species information.

Data Collection, Entry, Reporting, and Budgeting:

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, which may include working independently or in inclement weather, for approximately 250 days per year.

Perform strenuous physical activities such as repetitively lifting at least 50 pounds (such as fish feed bags, adult/juvenile, and equipment).

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 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work hours may vary at different times of the year, depending on the work schedule and weather conditions, and may sometimes include working evenings or weekends.

*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.

Housing: Housing is provided.

Travel Requirements: Travel may be required for short periods of time to accomplish agency goals and required training.

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, adult fish counters, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine powered equipment, and computers.

Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with public and volunteers. Will regularly interact by answering questions and giving tours to small community groups and individual members of the public who visit the hatchery.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Six (6) 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 2.

Option 3: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology or closely allied field

AND

Two (2) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Option 4: A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or closely allied field

AND

Two (2) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Option 5: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school

AND

Two (2) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

License:

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

While on standby the incumbent must have a response time of 15-30 minutes.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

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.

Additional 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 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.

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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01808.

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