Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Voights Creek Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-09036

State of Washington•Pierce County – Orting, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) supports Chinook and Coho salmon conservation and sustainable recreational, tribal, and commercial opportunities in Washington. The position performs scientific, technical, and maintenance duties at Voights Creek Hatchery and trap sites, rearing anadromous fish. Candidates may be hired at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2 level. A Specialist 1 hire must complete a 12-month agency-supervised in-training plan and, upon satisfactory completion, will automatically advance to Specialist 2. The role includes fish culture work; hatchery data, record keeping, reporting, and purchasing; and operation and maintenance of hatchery facilities and equipment. Employees regularly interact with community groups, the public, and volunteers, answer visitor questions, and conduct tours as needed. Housing is provided, and standby duty is currently assigned.

Requirements

Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 qualification: one of the following—three years performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery; an associate degree in fisheries technology or a closely allied field; three years of education toward a bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely allied field; or successful completion of a vocational-school fish culture program.
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 qualification: one of the following—four years performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery; one year as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 and successful completion of the agency-supervised training program; an associate degree in fisheries technology or a closely allied field plus one year of hatchery fish culture experience; two years of education toward a bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely allied field plus one year of hatchery fish culture experience; or successful completion of a vocational-school fish culture program plus one year of hatchery fish culture experience.
Valid driver's license.
Provide a completed online application, an up-to-date resume, a cover letter describing interest and relevant qualifications, and at least three professional references with current contact information.
Complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) on the first day of work and provide documentation establishing eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Four-year degree in fisheries or a closely associated field.

Responsibilities

Calculate and provide feed based on pond populations and fish weight samples, adjusting feed size and quantity as needed.
Monitor fish behavior, health, and production; calculate and administer prescribed therapeutics and drugs.
Clean ponds, raceways, troughs, and incubator systems.
Pick egg loss by hand or with equipment, fertilize eggs according to established ratios and Hatchery Genetic Management Plan requirements, and incubate eggs using a variety of vessels.
Identify targeted and non-targeted species, gender, stock origin, and maturity condition when trapping and spawning adult fish.
Monitor water quality using dissolved oxygen meters and chemicals, calibrating equipment as needed.
Use computers and software for data entry, hatchery records, and reporting within and outside the agency.
Complete and submit agency forms, including fish transfer tickets and hatchery invoice forms.
Conduct water quality analysis and discharge monitoring reporting required for Department of Ecology NPDES hatchery discharge permits.
Create projection sheets to calculate desired growth rates and track fish size samples and feed conversions through the annual rearing cycle.
Maintain the purchasing card account and hatchery expense ledger, and complete vendor payment forms.
Maintain water flow and fish-rearing environments.
Identify safety hazards and take action or recommend remedies.
Perform maintenance in and around the hatchery and residences to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Operate hatchery, grounds, and maintenance equipment.
Design and fabricate hatchery equipment, including fish racks, weirs, intake screens, fish transfer equipment, and adult fish gates.
Drive around hatchery grounds, between facilities, or to other sites as business needs require.
Respond to visitor questions and conduct organized tours as needed.