Posting number: 2026-05813
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job classification: FISH HATCHERY SPECIALIST 2
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Wetlands, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife
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Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Salkum, Washington – Cowlitz Hatchery – Lewis County
Housing- Housing is not provided.
Standby- Standby is currently not assigned.
In-Training- We are recruiting to hire at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 (FHS1) or Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (FHS2) level. We will train a new hire at level FHS1 up to the FHS2 level.
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!
View of 2 small fish in a viewing box.
Photo Caption: Spring Chinook Smolts – Photo Credit: WDFW
This is an opportunity to see the work WDFW is doing to plan for the future of fish and wildlife conservation in Washington!
With your experience, you will perform technical and scientific duties at hatchery facilities within a complex, rearing anadromous and inland species of fish.
You are excited to perform a variety of technical and scientific fish culture duties and hatchery-related maintenance.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Fish Culture.
Recordkeeping and Reporting.
Operation and Maintenance of Facility.
Operation and Maintenance of Equipment.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Work outdoors in all weather conditions. At times, will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs and perform strenuous physical activities. The employee will use a respirator and other PPE while working with various chemicals used at facilities. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The schedule is a 10-day rotating schedule and the days of the week will vary based on the rotation. 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.
Travel requirements: May travel to region meetings, training and fish culture conferences.
Customer Interactions: Communicate effectively with the public and volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required 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’sdegree in fisheries, biology, or a closely allied field.
Option 4: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.
For ALL of the above:
License: Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
Required Qualifications for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (Goal Class):
Option 1: One year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 and successful completion of agency supervised training program.
Option 2: Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology or closely allied field and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery. (Please note: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery will substitute for the required education.)
Option 3: 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. (Please note: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery will substitute for the required education.)
Option 4: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
For ALL of the above:
License: Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Your application must include the following:
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:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife 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 & Wildlife Professionals.
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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:
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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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05813
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With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.
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Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
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