Nature of Work
Under administrative direction, at the full-performance level, exercises wide latitude in planning and directing the programs of the facility, including planning, coordinating and directing the operations and employees of a large state-owned fish hatchery engaged in trapping, spawning and stocking fish, incubating eggs, and rearing fry. Work is performed under limited supervision. Also responsible for buildings and grounds maintenance and other hatchery functions, such as: operations, planning and implementation. Must reside at the facility, if quarters are provided. Performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Directs the operation of a state-owned fish hatchery. Is accountable to an administrator, Wildlife Chief, or the agency head. Work requires knowledge of fish culture and pathology. Exercises latitude in managing the mechanical and biological systems and personnel necessary to efficiently run an individual fish hatchery.

Examples of Work
Plans, organizes, directs and approves the work of other fish hatchery staff.
Plans, organizes, and directs the operation and maintenance of hatchery facilities, including repairs and renovations of physical structures.
Compiles data to write comprehensive reports detailing hatchery operations.
Develops hatchery budgets.
Prepares progress reports, work reports, time sheets and financial reports.
Assists superiors in developing long-range plans.
Supervises development, remodeling, use and maintenance of specialized equipment.
Recommends construction or expansion activities.
Devises new methods and techniques.
Leads development of new scientific species.
Maintains inventory of equipment, materials and supplies.
Enforces safety regulations.
Inspects hatchery operations for safety, cleanliness, and neatness.
Monitors fish health by observation and laboratory work.
Treats fish for diseases and abnormalities by determining proper medication and adding it to fish food and water.
Oversees the weighing, counting, grading and size-grouping of fish for release.
Maintains records related to fish while they are at the hatchery.
Conducts tours of the hatchery and answers visitor's questions.
Promotes and maintains goodwill of employees and general public.
Oversees construction and repair of screens, gates, traps, nets, seines, and other equipment used in holding and caring for fish; assists as necessary.
Oversees cleaning of rearing units, pond raceways, and other hatchery equipment; assists as necessary.
Makes routine repairs on hatchery equipment.
Oversees hatchery grounds maintenance including mowing grass, raking leaves, repairing roads, cutting brush, picking up trash; assists as necessary.
Oversees hatchery building maintenance including cleaning offices and buildings, painting buildings and fences; assists as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of fish culture and management.
Knowledge of all fish hatchery functions and operations and their related safety procedures.
Knowledge of native fish species and their habitat requirements.
Knowledge of the principles of planning, organizing, and conducting hatchery programs.
Knowledge of the procedures followed in identification of fish diseases, dietary disorders, parasitic infestations and other problems involved in fish culture.
Knowledge of buildings and grounds maintenance procedures and basic building maintenance trades.
Knowledge of safety regulations and precautionary measures.
Skill in first aid procedures.
Skill in use of standard fisheries sampling and analyzing techniques and operation of laboratory equipment.
Ability to effectively train, organize, supervise and direct work of fish hatchery employees and prepare work plans and reports.
Ability to effectively plan, organize, and direct all hatchery operations and maintenance.
Ability to apply knowledge of fisheries biology to hatchery management activities and techniques.
Ability to develop and monitor budgets.
Ability to construct, operate, and repair specialized hatchery equipment; and operate and perform minor maintenance on equipment such as: farm tractor and attachments, chainsaw, two-ton truck, lawn mower, water pump, generator, and small hand tools.
Ability to keep accurate records in a clear concise form and write comprehensive reports.
Ability to anticipate the need for and order all hatchery supplies and equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with the public, supervisors, and co workers.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
Ability to issue and follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgement.
Ability to adapt to a variety of situations involving long hours, hazardous conditions, and difficult circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications      [Top]
Training:
An associate degree from an accredited college or university with a major specific to fisheries, wildlife, natural resource management, or aqua-culture.
Experience:
Two years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in fish culture or fish management.
Substitution:
Two years of full-time or equivalent part time paid experience as an Assistant Hatchery Manager; OR,
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in wildlife or fisheries biology, fish culture, agriculture, biology, environmental sciences or animal sciences may be substituted for the required training and experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Must have a valid West Virginia driver's license. May be required to obtain a commercial driver's license.

Established: 9/17/92
Revised:      5/2/95, 3/29/2001, 7/3/2002
Effective:     7/3/2002