Fish Hatchery Specialist 3 - Voights Creek Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-07488

State of Washington•Pierce County – Orting, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Help make a lasting impact on Washington’s fish and wildlife resources by supporting the day-to-day operations of a busy fish hatchery. This position ensures the facility operations run smoothly while meeting important production and program goals. As a key member of the hatchery team, you’ll lead a crew responsible for producing Chinook and Coho Salmon that support sport, tribal, and commercial fisheries throughout Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. Your leadership and expertise will help ensure fish are raised and released safely, efficiently, and in accordance with program objectives.

Requirements

Option 1: Six (6) 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 2.
Option 3: Associate’s degree or higher in fisheries technology, biology, or a closely allied field. AND Two (2) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
Option 4: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school. AND Two (2) years of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of hatchery forms; application and use of key forms; proper procedures.
Current forklift certification or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.

Responsibilities

Perform Fish Culture: Apply sound fish culture practices to meet program goals. Project and monitor fish growth and feed requirements. Plan and coordinate rearing densities, intra- and inter-facility fish transfers, and fish releases to meet short- and long-range program goals. Evaluate fish size, growth rates, and health to determine appropriate feeding requirements.
Act as Crew Leader: Carry out assignments as a working leader. Ensure safety compliance. Demonstrate, instruct, and train others in methods, procedures, and proper task completion.
Physical Operation and Maintenance of Facility: Ensure working components of the fish hatchery are maintained in good operating condition, including pumps and motors, vehicles, alarms, generators, and flashlights.
Communications: Keep supervisors and management well-informed of production issues that may result in fish health concerns or program shortfalls. Represent the agency professionally and communicate effectively.