Hatchery Operations Manager Region 5 - WMS Band 2

Organization

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Job Posted

March 19, 2025

Job status

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Email

recruitmentteam@dfw.wa.gov

Deadline to Apply

Location

Ariel, WA
United States
Are you passionate about fisheries conservation and ready to lead hatchery operations in Washington?

As our Hatchery Operations Manager for Region 5, you will oversee multiple hatchery facilities, ensuring compliance with the Endangered Species Act, hatchery reform initiatives, and best management practices.

In this critical leadership role, you will provide strategic direction on broodstock management, facility operations, and environmental compliance.

This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with partners and implement science-driven solutions that support fish recovery programs and sustainable fisheries.

Summary

Working Title – Hatchery Operations Manager Region 5
Classification – WMS Band 2
Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program – Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station – Merwin Hatchery in Ariel, Washington, is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate, other duty stations within Region 5 may be considered.
Southwest Region 5 Hatcheries Served – Goldendale, Washougal, Skamania, Vancouver, Lewis River, Merwin, Speelyai, North Toutle, and Beaver Creek Hatcheries.
Remote Employment – Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 3 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until April 24, 2025.  The first review of applications will take place on March 27, 2025.  Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

his is a unique opportunity to collaborate with partners and implement science-driven solutions that support fish recovery programs and sustainable fisheries.

 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hatchery Operations Manager for Region 5 will, 

  • Provide Leadership and Supervision: Ensure that staff understand goals and expectations. Promote cohesive and cooperative teamwork within operational guidelines.
  • Budget Management: Ensure that budget proposals are accurate and with costs fully documented before presenting to Fish Program or funding entities.
  • Long-term, Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans that reflect understanding/consideration for key issues and needs of constituents and the agency.
  • Internal and External Constituent Communications: Ensure that affected parties are kept informed about agency and Fish Program goals and activities.
  • Managing Production of the Complex: Ensure that brood documents are understood, modified as required, and complied with.  Staff takes ownership for production goals and can accurately communicate with the public regarding facility goals and activities.
  • Operational and Administrative Compliance: Ensure that facilities operate in compliance with all permits, policies, and procedures. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: Office setting with rare outdoor facilitation of hatchery operations. Travel to and from other facilities within the complex is routine and may occur during inclement weather conditions.

Schedule: Expected to schedule work time within a typical 40-hour work week (Typically, Monday – Friday - 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Travel Requirements: Position requires frequent travel. Travel includes traveling between complex facilities, and occasionally to Olympia and Regional Offices.

 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

There are two options in which to qualify listed below: 


Option 1: 

A Degree in fish biology, fish culture, or other applicable programs. 

AND

Two (2) years of experience in the following:

  • Supervising hatchery staff.
  • Negotiating budgets.
  • Working with diverse operation budgets and budget management.
  • Maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal, or other agencies.
  • Knowledge and use of federal, state, and tribal regulations.
  • Proficiency with computers and software including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Certifications: 
Valid Driver’s License.  


Option 2:

Five (5) years of advanced senior level experience in all the following: 

  • Fish and salmonid culture practices.
  • Fish health diagnosis, treatment, monitoring & evaluation and management practices.

AND 

Two (2) years of experience in the following (may be gained concurrently with the experience above):

  • Supervising hatchery staff.
  • Negotiating budgets.
  • Working with diverse operation budgets and budget management.
  • Maintaining working relationships with Federal, Tribal, or other agencies.
  • Knowledge and use of federal, state, and tribal regulations.
  • Proficiency with computers and software including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Certifications: 
Valid Driver’s License.  

 

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

  • Proficiency with Contracts and Projects System (CAPS) Financial and Fishbooks (WDFW).
  • Experience with department policies and procedures.

 

Your application should 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.


 

Compensation Information

Salary: $100,000.00 - $105,108.00 Annually

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 the announcement to learn more.