Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) - Cedar River/Soos Creek Hatchery - Seasonal - 2026-05968

About the Department

Classification- Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) 

Job Status- Full-Time - Career Seasonal

Season Length- 11.5 months – (July 1 – December 15, January 1 – June 30)  
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Multiple Locations – King County

• July 1 – December 15: Cedar River Hatchery - Ravensdale, Washington

• January 1 – June 30: Soos Creek Hatchery, Palmer Ponds and Icy Creek facilities - Auburn, Washington

Housing- Not Provided 

*Standby- 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
Please note: Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Spring Chinook Smolts – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to build your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in hatchery operations at two (2) Washington State hatcheries. 

Join the team and perform scientific, technical, and related maintenance duties within the Cedar River Hatchery (July-December) and Soos Creek Hatchery (January-June), rearing 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: 

Operation and Maintenance of Facility and Equipment:

• Actively identify safety hazards and act or recommend remedies as appropriate.
• Perform maintenance duties in and around hatchery to preserve a clean and safe working environment.
• Operate forklifts, tractors, yard maintenance equipment, fish pumps and common power tools.
• Service and maintain small gas engines and hatchery related equipment.
• Wear and use employee safety equipment as directed including, inspecting, cleaning, and repairing employee’s safety equipment. 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. the work hours can vary greatly at different time of the year depending on the work schedule and weather conditions. 

*Standby: Standby duties are currently assigned at Palmer Ponds – Soos Creek Hatchery. Standby involves overseeing the facility for the remaining 16 hours of the day. While on standby this position will work 10 days and be off 4. While on standby the incumbent must have a response time of 1 hour. 

Housing: Housing not provided.

Travel Requirements: Travel may be required to accomplish agency goals.

Tools and Equipment: Power and hand tools, lawn care equipment, tractors, forklifts, welding equipment, egg picking machines, water sampling instruments, transport trucks, passenger vehicles, adult fish pumps, adult fish counters, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine and computers and software.

Customer Interactions: Interact with the public, volunteers and smally community groups regularly. 

Qualifications:

This Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (In-Training) series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited hatchery and fish culture experience.

Candidates will be hired as a Fish Hatchery Specialist 1 or 2, dependent on skills and experience.

Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month in-training plan, the selected candidate will automatically be promoted to a Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.

Required Qualifications for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 1:

Option 1: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Option 2: An Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology, or a closely allied field.

Option 3: Three (3) years of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely allied field.

Option 4: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Standby duties require a 1 hour response time to the facility. 

Required Qualifications for the Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 (Goal Class):

Option 1: Four (4) 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 1 and successful completion of agency supervised training program.

Option 3: Associate’s degree in fisheries technology, biology or closely allied field and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Option 4: 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.

Option 5: Successful completion of a fish culture program from a vocational school and one (1) year of experience performing fish culture duties in a hatchery.

Certifications/Licenses:
 Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Standby duties require a 1 hour response time to the facility. 

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Six (6) months of fish hatchery experience or closely associated field.

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume. 
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Other Qualifications

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

 

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

 

Union - WAFHP:

These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).

 

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].  
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

 

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

 

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

 

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email [email protected], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

 

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected]. 

 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-05968.

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Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov