Fish Hatchery Specialist 4 - Sol Duc Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-06049

Posting number: 2026-06049

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: FISH HATCHERY SPECIALIST 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Parks and Beaches, Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife

Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 4 (FHS4)

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Sol Duc Hatchery – Beaver, Washington – Clallam County

Housing- Housing is available

Standby- Standby is assigned

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Spawning Help at the Hatchery – Photo Credit: Larry Franks

This is an opportunity to lead a team of dedicated hatchery professionals at the Sol Duc Hatchery.

As a leader, you will support staff by setting clear goals, fostering professional growth, and promoting safe and efficient performance.

You will also oversee hatchery operations including managing production, budget and spending plans, and ensuring safety and compliance across all facilities.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 4 will,

Supervision:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop professional and technical staff by overseeing recruitment, hiring, training, performance management, corrective actions, scheduling, and employee development to foster a safe, productive, and collaborative work environment.
• Coordinate daily hatchery operations and staffing across facilities to meet production goals, workload demands, and operational priorities.
• Develop work plans, establish performance expectations, monitor progress, and serve as the acting Complex Manager when assigned.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, safety requirements, CDL training, housing inspections, and personnel documentation.

Manage Facility Production:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee hatchery production programs to support conservation and harvest objectives while ensuring compliance with Hatchery Evaluation Assessment Team (HEAT), Hatchery Management Plans (HMP) for the coast, Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG), and fish health protocols.
• Collaborate with fish health staff, Tribal co-managers, federal agencies, and other partners to address fish health concerns, production planning, broodstock management, and annual release goals.
• Monitor production activities, maintain biological records and reporting requirements, and oversee seasonal marking operations and contract staff.

Manage Facility Budgets:

• Develop and manage budgets, monitor expenditures, prepare budget proposals, administer contracts, and communicate financial needs to ensure responsible use of agency resources.
• Oversee purchasing, administrative processes, and timely reporting to support efficient hatchery operations.

Operations Management & Compliance:

• Direct facility maintenance, infrastructure improvements, fleet management, water delivery systems, and equipment repair to ensure safe, reliable hatchery operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, water rights, Hydraulic Project Approvals (HPA), NPDES requirements, and applicable federal, state, and agency regulations.
• Coordinate emergency response planning, safety programs, and operational improvements while working with agency staff and contractors on facility upgrades.

Communication:

• Serve as the agency representative by building and maintaining effective working relationships with Tribal co-managers, local, state, and federal partners, contractors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate hatchery operations, production goals, policies, and program information to staff, leadership, external partners, and the public, including responding to information requests and representing the agency in meetings and public forums.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is performed in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold. At times this position will be required to repetitively lift at least 50lbs and perform strenuous physical activities. 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 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. 

Housing:

Housing is provided for this position.

Standby:

Standby duties are assigned to this position. 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.

• All applicants applying for this position should understand that standby is a requirement for all positions in the Fish Hatchery Specialist series.
• Management may determine it is necessary to assign it in order to accomplish the goals and objectives of the agency and as necessary to protect the resources of the agency and if assigned, it will be a requirement of the position.

Travel Requirements:

Travel is required to support agency operations, attend meetings and training, and perform work at remote facilities. Frequent travel to remote facilities is an essential function of this position.

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, CWT identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine powered equipment, and computers.

Customer Interactions:

Interact regularly with co-managers and constituents. Occasionally respond to inquiries from media outlets.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1 – All of the following:

• One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 (FHS3).
• One (1) year of leadership/supervisory duties including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.

Option 2 – All of the following:

• Associate degree in fisheries technology, biology, or closely allied field.
• Three (3) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
• One (1) year of leadership/supervisory duties including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.

Option 3 – All of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology or closely allied field.
• Three (3) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
• One (1) year of leadership/supervisory duties including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.

Option 4 – All of the following:

• Four (4) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.
• One (1) year of leadership/supervisory duties including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.

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:

Experience:

• Implementing and managing hatchery programs.
• Researching, purchasing, maintaining, and managing hatchery equipment and supplies.
• Training staff on the safe operation and maintenance of hatchery equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Using hatchery information systems, such as Vehicle Management Tracking System (VMTS), Enterprise Reporting, Fish Books, and payroll reporting.
• Performing basic carpentry, small engine repair, automotive maintenance, and using hand and power tools. 
• Operating coded wire tag (CWT) detectors. 

Knowledge of:

• Fish culture and husbandry practices, terminology, and fish production protocols, including Hatchery Evaluation Assessment Team (HEAT), Hatchery Management Plans (HMP), and Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG) principles.
• Hatchery operations, inventory control, data collection, and recordkeeping practices.
• Calculation methods used in hatchery operations.
• The operation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hatchery equipment, including fish pumps, weirs, crowders, chemical treatment systems, forklifts, tractors, backhoes, lawn equipment, and related machinery. 
• Pumps, plumbing, hydrology, and water delivery systems. 
• Purchasing procedures, key administrative processes, and required forms.
• Human resource practices, including hiring, performance management, and corrective action.
• Collective bargaining agreements, agency policies, safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.

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 (3) professional references with current contact 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).

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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: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06049.

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