Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Cowlitz Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-01410
State of Washington
FreshPosted Feb 17
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: February 12, 2026 (6 days ago)
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Hatchery Operations Manager – Spokane Hatchery Complex - WMS Band 2 - Permanent - 2026-01340
State of Washington
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$108,264 - $108,264
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Management & Supervision jobs →Closes
March 16, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading the daily operations of several fish hatcheries in eastern Washington, focusing on raising and releasing fish to support conservation and sustainable fishing.
You'll manage staff, budgets, and long-term plans while working with partners like tribes and agency teams to protect fish populations.
It's a great fit for someone with experience in environmental management who enjoys teamwork and strategic planning in a hands-on outdoor setting.
Key Requirements
- Proven leadership and supervisory skills to guide hatchery staff and promote teamwork
- Strong budget management experience, including preparing proposals and staying within allotments
- Ability to develop long-term strategic plans for fish production and conservation
- Excellent communication skills for internal teams and external partners like tribes and stakeholders
- Knowledge of fish hatchery operations and sustainable fisheries practices
- Experience in environmental or natural resource management
Full Job Description
Title – Hatchery Operations Manager, Spokane Hatchery Complex
Classification - WMS Band 2
Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program - Fish Program – Hatchery Division
Duty Station – Spokane Valley, Spokane County
Spokane Hatchery Complex - Spokane Hatchery, Ford Hatchery, Sherman Creek Hatchery, Omak Hatchery, and satellite facilities.
Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until March 15, 2026. First review of applications will take place February 25, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Cutthroat Trout – Photo Credit: WDFW
As our Hatchery Operations Manager for the Spokane Hatchery Complex, you will play a vital leadership role in advancing fish conservation, enhancement, and sustainable fisheries across Eastern Washington.
This is an opportunity to provide strategic and operational leadership for multiple hatchery facilities, guiding complex fish production programs that support regional and statewide fish conservation priorities.
Working closely with regional leadership, tribal partners, and internal Fish Program teams, you will help shape fish production strategies that support the long-term sustainability of Washington’s fish populations.
Photo Caption: Rainbow Trout - Photo Credit: WDFW
What to Expect-
In this role, the Hatchery Operations Manager for the Spokane Hatchery Complex provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington’s fish populations. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership and Supervision: Ensure staff understand and meet goals and expectations, accept responsibility for results, develop competencies to support current and future hatchery operations, and promote cohesive and cooperative teamwork within operational guidelines.
- Budget Management: Ensure budget proposals are accurate and fully documented prior to submission to Fish Program leadership or funding entities and ensure complex facilities operate within approved budget allotments.
- Long-term Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans that address agency and constituent needs, keep the Regional Fish Program Manager informed of emerging trends and future needs, and document recommendations and planning efforts for future reference.
- Internal and External Constituent Communications: Ensure affected parties are informed of agency and Fish Program goals and activities and incorporate constituent needs, concerns, and perspectives into planning and decision-making.
- Managing Production of the Complex: Ensure brood documents are understood, modified as needed, and followed while supporting staff accountability for production goals.
- Operational and Administrative Compliance: Ensure facilities operate in compliance with permits, policies, and procedures - maintain facility infrastructure and operational standards, and support safe working environments.
- Contract Development: Develop, negotiate, monitor, and maintain contracts and interagency agreements, participate in negotiations to support agency interests, and ensure contract requirements and budget expectations are met.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: This is an office-based position that at times assists with fish production activities which may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Duties may be performed in remote locations.
Schedule: Typical work hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Occasional extended hours, weekend work, or schedule adjustments to support operational needs may be required.
Travel Requirements: Frequent travel is required to support operations across the Spokane Hatchery Complex. Hatcheries are dispersed, and the incumbent is expected to routinely visit multiple sites. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
ALL of the following experience is required; experience may be gained concurrently:
Five (5) years of professional experience in fish culture operations, including:
- Fish health diagnosis, treatment, and management.
- Salmonid fish culture practices.
- Application of hatchery reform and salmon conservation principles.
Two (2) years of professional experience in/with:
- Supervising staff – including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.
- Managing and negotiating hatchery budgets.
- Maintaining effective working relationships with federal, tribal, and other agencies including state-tribal coordination, stakeholder engagement, and representing programs in public forums.
- Applying federal, state, and tribal regulations related to fish production.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
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:
- Advanced training in fish culture or fish health from an accredited institution or university.
- Experience developing contracts.
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 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
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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01340.
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