Hatchery Operations Manager – Spokane Hatchery Complex - WMS Band 2

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, as this recruitment may be closed at any time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
• S…