Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Ringold Springs/Meseberg Hatchery - Perm - 2026-05823

State of Washington • Franklin County – Other, WA

13h • 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 Ringold Springs/Meseberg Hatchery team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties within the hatchery. In this dynamic role, you will help raise and release a variety of fish to include fall Chinook, coho, steelhead, rainbow trout, and tiger muskie! This position is for a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) and is a Full-Time / Permanent role located at the Ringold Springs/Meseberg Hatchery in Mesa, Washington. The salary range for a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 is $3,653.00 - $4,866.00, and for a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 is $4,004.00 - $5,376.00. The agency is recruiting to hire at either the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2 level, with the potential to train a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 up to the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 level.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• For Fish Hatchery Specialist 1: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or a closely related field OR Three (3) years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely related field OR Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school OR Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.
• For Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (Goal Class): One (1) year of experience as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 AND successful completion of agency supervised training program OR An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or closely related field AND one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery OR Two (2) years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or closely related field AND one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
• Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery may substitute for the required education for the goal class.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) or four (4) year degree in fisheries or closely related field.

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 incubate eggs using a variety of vessels.
• Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for biological sampling.
• Load fish into trucks for transport according to safe hauling densities, utilizing proper oxygen levels and monitoring fish during transport.
• Use computers and software for data entry, record keeping, and reporting within and outside of the agency.
• Fill out and submit agency forms such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice forms, and other relevant forms.
• Perform water quality analysis and discharge monitoring reports (DMR) as required by the Department of Ecology to maintain hatchery discharge permits (NPDES).
• Maintain proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Perform standby which requires responding to alarms and taking appropriate action to preserve facility programs, tests alarms and reports failures to agency personnel.
• Monitor and maintain facility support systems to include diesel generators, domestic, alarm panels, and other support systems.
• Actively identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies.
• Apply herbicides or controlled burning for weed control.
• Assist in design/fabrication of needed hatchery equipment (e.g., fish racks, weirs, intake screens, fish transfer equipment, adult fish gates) using metal, aluminum, plastic, and wood.
• Interact professionally with members of the public, volunteers, and other agency staff on a regular basis.

Benefits

• Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
• In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree