The Future Across the Interview Table: How Are Fish Hatcheries Hiring to Meet Tomorrow's Needs?

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game operates 18 fish hatcheries and 10 seasonal satellite facilities.  The Department’s fish production program employs 60 full time hatchery staff and approximately 144 seasonal temporary employees, with supervision and oversight from an additional six management positions.  Fish production program staff work closely with IDFG fisheries management, fisheries research, and fish health staff.  The IDFG program also cooperates with federal and tribal anadromous fisheries programs. The skill set that positions program staff for success is influenced by the collaborative nature of our projects, shifting employee demographics, and the 21^st century workplace demands of instant communication and adaptive management.  When evaluating candidates for fish production careers that may last decades, hiring managers increasingly prioritize soft skills alongside hatchery operations knowledge and science-based competencies.