Hatchery Operations Manager – Spokane Hatchery Complex - WMS Band 2 - Permanent - 2026-01340

Job Details

Title – Hatchery Operations Manager, Spokane Hatchery Complex
Classification - WMS Band 2 
Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW 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!

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.
 

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.

Working Conditions: 

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.

Requirements

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.

Two (2) years of professional experience in/with:

• 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.).

Certifications/Licenses:
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.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements submitted to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5236534/hatchery-operations-manager-spokane-hatchery-complex-wms-band-2-permanent
• 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.

Contact Information

Please submit your application and materials to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5236534/hatchery-operations-manager-spokane-hatchery-complex-wms-band-2-permanent

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.

If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01340.