Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Cowlitz Trout Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-07499

State of Washington•Lewis County – Other, WA

15h•Onsite

About The Position

Support steelhead and cutthroat trout conservation efforts while providing sustainable recreational, tribal, and commercial opportunities in the state of Washington. Join the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties within the hatchery facilities and trap sites. This is an opportunity to rear anadromous (fish born in freshwater who spend most of their lives in saltwater and return to freshwater to spawn) species of fish.

Requirements

Valid Driver’s License.
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’s degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely allied field.
Option 4: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.
Option 1: Four (4) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.
Option 2: One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 and successful completion of agency supervised training program.
Option 3: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or closely allied field and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
Option 4: 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.
Option 5: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Responsibilities

Calculate and feed fish according to pond populations and weight samples, adjusting feed size and amount fed as needed.
Monitor fish behavior, health, and production.
Administer therapeutics and calculate/administer drugs as prescribed.
Clean ponds, raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
Pick egg loss by hand or using equipment, fertilize eggs according to pre-determined ratios and Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) requirements, and incubate eggs using a variety of vessels.
Monitor rearing units for signs of predation and ensure the rearing areas are secured.
Monitor water quality parameters using dissolved oxygen meters, calibrating when needed, and chemicals to ensure a safe rearing environment.
Use computers and software to perform various aspects of hatchery work including data entry, record keeping, and reporting within and outside the agency.
Update programs to calculate desired growth rates through yearly rearing cycle (Projection sheets) that monitor fish sizes using samples and feed conversions.
Monitor Ozone plant production, daily checklists, and production testing, communicating positive and negative results to Tacoma Power Management.
Monitor and maintain facility support systems including diesel generators, domestic and ozone water treatment plants, alarm panels, and other support systems.
Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, fish pumps, and common power tools.
Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery-related equipment.
Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
Safely operate vehicles and equipment (such as fleet vehicles, forklifts, tractors, and UTVs) and hand/power tools.
Use a respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at the facility.
This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Standby duties are currently assigned – standby entails the employee being responsible for overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day after the regular 8-hour shift.
The standby schedule consists of working ten (10) consecutive days, including seven (7) days of standby duty, followed by four (4) days off.
Required to drive around hatchery grounds or between facilities to accomplish business needs.
Regularly interact with small community groups, individual members of the public, and volunteers.