Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Vancouver Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-04913

State of Washington•Clark County – Vancouver, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Support salmon, steelhead, and trout conservation efforts while providing sustainable recreational, tribal, and commercial opportunities in the state of Washington. Join the team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties at the Vancouver Hatchery. This is a unique opportunity to partner with a non-profit organization, Columbia Springs. This position will interact with Columbia Springs staff, other non-profit organizations, and large volumes of people to educate and inspire stewardship regarding Washington’s natural resources.

Requirements

Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.
An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or a closely allied field.
Three (3) years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely allied field.
Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.
Valid driver’s license.
Standby duties require a 15–30-minute response time to the facility.
Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 AND Successful completion of agency supervised training program.
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.
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.
Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school AND One (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) or four (4) year degree in fisheries or closely associated field.
Salmonid fish culture experience.
Class A or Class B CDL with tanker endorsement.
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.
Load fish into trucks for transport according to safe hauling densities, utilizing proper oxygen levels and monitoring fish during transport.
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 record keeping within and outside the agency.
Accurately fill out and submit agency forms such as fish transfer tickets and hatchery invoice forms.
Perform water quality analysis and discharge monitoring reports (DMR) as required by the Department of Ecology to maintain hatchery discharge permits (NPDES).
Create programs to calculate desired growth rates through yearly rearing cycle (Projection sheets) that monitor fish sizes using samples and feed conversions.
Maintain purchasing card account, ledger of hatchery expenses, and complete order payment forms for vendor payments.
Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments.
Actively identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies.
Perform maintenance duties in and around the hatchery to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, fish pumps, and common power tools.
Design/fabricate needed hatchery equipment (such as fish racks, weirs, intake screens, fish transfer equipment, and adult fish gates) using metal, aluminum, plastic, and wood.
Engage and communicate with Columbia Springs staff along with other non-profit organizations, school-age tour groups, and a high number of public and visitors.
Talk to groups, ranging in size from a few to large numbers of people, during tours of the facility and assist in facilitating an annual kids fishing event.