Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Cowlitz Trout Hatchery - Permanent - 2026-06502
State of WashingtonAbout the role
Posting number: 2026-06502
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job classification: FISH HATCHERY SPECIALIST 2
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, Research, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife
Summary
Characters : 0Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training)
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Division
Duty Station- Cowlitz Trout Hatchery - Toledo, Washington – Lewis County
Housing- No Additional Housing Available
Standby- Not Currently Assigned
In-Training- We are recruiting to fill this position at the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2 classification. Candidates hired as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 will be required to complete an in-training plan in order to advance to the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 classification.
Salary- Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:
Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 - $3,653.00 - $4,866.00 monthly
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 - $4,004.00 - $5,376.00 monthly
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Cutthroat trout – Photo Credit: WDFW
This is an opportunity to build your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in hatchery operations.
Join the team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties within the Cowlitz Hatchery, rearing anadromous and non-anadromous species of fish.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 will,
Perform Fish Culture:
- Calculate and feed fish according to pond populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as needed.
- Monitor fish behavior and health.
- Monitor egg and fish production and disinfect and enumerate eggs.
- Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
- Identify marked adults and collect tags/marks for biological sampling.
- Perform fish inventories, splits, grading, marking trailer inventories, weight samples and plants.
- Pick eggs loss by hand or using equipment and incubate for facility programs or shipments.
- Conduct remote trapping and spawning operations, including transport of equipment and gametes.
- Load truck according to safe hauling densities, utilizes proper oxygen levels and monitors fish during transport.
Record Keeping and Recording:
- Perform various aspects of hatchery work, including data entry, record keeping and reporting both within and outside the agency.
- Monitor Ozone plant production, daily checklists, production testing, and communication to Tacoma Power Management.
Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:
- Monitor and maintain facility support systems such as diesel generators, domestic and ozone water treatment plants, alarm panels and other support systems.
- Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery and residences to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
- Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
- Work is performed almost entirely outdoors and in inclement weather conditions.
- Hazards may include navigating obstacles to avoid injury, as well as potential injuries associated with the operation of heavy equipment and the use of hand and power tools.
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals used for fish health.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. The work hours can vary greatly at different t
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