Fish Hatchery Specialist - Hurd Creek Hatchery

Classification

Fish Hatchery Specialist 3

Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program:
Fish Program – Hatcheries Division

Duty Station:
Hurd Creek Hatchery – Sequim, Washington – Clallam County

No additional housing available.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 rearing environments.
• Manage the operation of fish traps and ladders.
• Order tools and supplies to meet facility needs.

• 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.

• Maintain a facility filing system that is well organized and user‑friendly.
• Ensure that staff are well informed on where and how to collect and record data.
• Organize and maintain the budget tracking system for all hatchery expenditures.

Work outside in all weather conditions, which may include working independently or in inclement weather, for approximately 250 days per year. Perform frequent strenuous physical activities such as repetitively lifting at least 50 pounds (fish feed bags, adult/juvenile fish, pumps and other equipment). Use a respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used s position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Typically, Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 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 duties are currently assigned. Standby involves overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day when on…