Job Details
Hatchery Operations Manager - Spokane Hatchery Complex - WMS Band 2 - Permanent
2026-02-14 State of Washington all cities,AK
Description:
Work Setting, including hazards: This is an office-based position that at times assists with fish production activities which may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.Duties may be performed in remote locations.
Schedule: Typical work hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Occasional extended hours, weekend work, or schedule adjustments to support operational needs may be required.
Travel Requirements: Frequent travel is required to support operations across the Spokane Hatchery Complex. Hatcheries are dispersed, and the incumbent is expected to routinely visit multiple sites. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
ALL of the following experience is required; experience may be gained concurrently:
Five (5) years of professional experience in fish culture operations, including:
Valid Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
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:
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:
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-###-#### or email ...@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-###-####.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or ...@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to ...@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01340.
Follow us on social media:LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
kd
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.
02
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you have a valid driver's license or write "No" if you do not have a valid driver's license.
03
Do you have at least five (5) years of professional experience in fish culture operations - including: fish health diagnosis, treatment, and management, salmonid fish culture practices, and application of hatchery reform and salmon conservation principles?
04
Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish culture operations - including fish health diagnosis, treatment, and management, salmonid fish culture practices, and application of hatchery reform and salmon conservation principles. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
05
Do you have at least two (2) years of professional experience supervising staff? (Supervisory duties must include conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance).
06
Please describe your professional experience supervising staff, include what makes you a successful leader. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07
Do you have at least two (2) years of professional experience managing and negotiating hatchery budgets?
08
Do you have at least two (2) years of professional experience applying federal, state, and tribal regulations related to fish production?
09
Please briefly describe your professional experience maintaining effective working relationships with federal, tribal, and other agencies including state-tribal coordination, stakeholder engagement, and representing programs in public forums. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
11
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question
Salary : $108,264.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane Valley, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-01340
Department:Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 02/12/2026
Closing Date: 3/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title - Hatchery Operations Manager, Spokane Hatchery Complex
Classification - WMS Band 2
Job Status - Full-Time/PermanentWDFW Program - Fish Program - Hatchery Division Duty Station - Spokane Valley, Spokane County
Spokane Hatchery Complex - Spokane Hatchery, Ford Hatchery, Sherman Creek Hatchery, Omak Hatchery, and satellite facilities.
Remote Employment - This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until March 15, 2026. First review of applications will take place February 25, 2026. 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!
Photo Caption: Cutthroat Trout- Photo Credit: WDFW
As our Hatchery Operations Manager for the Spokane Hatchery Complex, you will play a vital leadership role in advancing fish conservation, enhancement, and sustainable fisheries across Eastern Washington.
This is an opportunity to provide strategic and operational leadership for multiple hatchery facilities, guiding complex fish production programs that support regional and statewide fish conservation priorities.
Working closely with regional leadership, tribal partners, and internal Fish Program teams, you will help shape fish production strategies that support the long-term sustainability of Washington's fish populations.
Photo Caption: Rainbow Trout - Photo Credit: WDFW
What to Expect-
In this role, the Hatchery Operations Manager for the Spokane Hatchery Complex provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington's fish populations. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership and Supervision:Ensure staff understand and meet goals and expectations, accept responsibility for results, develop competencies to support current and future hatchery operations, and promote cohesive and cooperative teamwork within operational guidelines.
- Budget Management: Ensure budget proposals are accurate and fully documented prior to submission to Fish Program leadership or funding entities and ensure complex facilities operate within approved budget allotments.
- Long-term Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans that address agency and constituent needs, keep the Regional Fish Program Manager informed of emerging trends and future needs, and document recommendations and planning efforts for future reference.
- Internal and External Constituent Communications: Ensure affected parties are informed of agency and Fish Program goals and activities and incorporate constituent needs, concerns, and perspectives into planning and decision-making.
- Managing Production of the Complex: Ensure brood documents are understood, modified as needed, and followed while supporting staff accountability for production goals.
- Operational and Administrative Compliance: Ensure facilities operate in compliance with permits, policies, and procedures - maintain facility infrastructure and operational standards, and support safe working environments.
- Contract Development: Develop, negotiate, monitor, and maintain contracts and interagency agreements, participate in negotiations to support agency interests, and ensure contract requirements and budget expectations are met.
Work Setting, including hazards: This is an office-based position that at times assists with fish production activities which may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.Duties may be performed in remote locations.
Schedule: Typical work hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Occasional extended hours, weekend work, or schedule adjustments to support operational needs may be required.
Travel Requirements: Frequent travel is required to support operations across the Spokane Hatchery Complex. Hatcheries are dispersed, and the incumbent is expected to routinely visit multiple sites. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
ALL of the following experience is required; experience may be gained concurrently:
Five (5) years of professional experience in fish culture operations, including:
- Fish health diagnosis, treatment, and management.
- Salmonid fish culture practices.
- Application of hatchery reform and salmon conservation principles.
- Supervising staff - including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.
- Managing and negotiating hatchery budgets.
- Maintaining effective working relationships with federal, tribal, and other agencies including state-tribal coordination, stakeholder engagement, and representing programs in public forums.
- Applying federal, state, and tribal regulations related to fish production.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
Valid Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
- Advanced training in fish culture or fish health from an accredited institution or university.
- Experience developing contracts.
- 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.
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:
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 ...@dfw.wa.gov.
- 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: 2026-1234 - 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-###-#### or email ...@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-###-####.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or ...@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to ...@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01340.
Follow us on social media:LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
kd
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you have a valid driver's license or write "No" if you do not have a valid driver's license.
03
Do you have at least five (5) years of professional experience in fish culture operations - including: fish health diagnosis, treatment, and management, salmonid fish culture practices, and application of hatchery reform and salmon conservation principles?
- Yes
- No
04
Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish culture operations - including fish health diagnosis, treatment, and management, salmonid fish culture practices, and application of hatchery reform and salmon conservation principles. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
05
Do you have at least two (2) years of professional experience supervising staff? (Supervisory duties must include conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance).
- Yes
- No
06
Please describe your professional experience supervising staff, include what makes you a successful leader. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07
Do you have at least two (2) years of professional experience managing and negotiating hatchery budgets?
- Yes
- No
08
Do you have at least two (2) years of professional experience applying federal, state, and tribal regulations related to fish production?
- Yes
- No
09
Please briefly describe your professional experience maintaining effective working relationships with federal, tribal, and other agencies including state-tribal coordination, stakeholder engagement, and representing programs in public forums. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Hydraulic Institute (HI)
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
- X (formerly Twitter)
11
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question