Fisheries Technician II

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Salem, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Support general hatchery and aquaculture operations to help maintain a hatchery and fisheries programs. Assist with all aspects of hatchery operation and ake maintenance to produce healthy fish for stocking.

Requirements

High School and three (3) to five (5) years applicable work experience is required or an Associates Degree in Natural Resources, Fisheries or Biological Sciences and two (2) years of applicable work experience is required.
Must maintain a valid current driver's license and obtain a CDL within 12 months of employment.
Ability to pass an approved boating safety course and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.
Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, land maintenance equipment, power tools and large trucks pulling trailers.
Ability to use office equipment, such as computer, calculator, camera, scanner and printer.
Ability to maintain accurate records and perform data entry with an attention to detail.
Standard carpentry, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing skills.
Extensive fish health, pathology and production knowledge. Experience with fishery science and wildlife management.
Ability to make independent decisions and act decisively on the determined course of action.
Ability to respond to fish production emergencies involving long hours, hazardous conditions, and difficult circumstances frequently occuring during scheduled time off (e.g. nights, weekends, and holidays)
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of civic and sportsmen's groups, Department staff, and visitors.
Ability to operate, fix or fabricate specialized aquaculture equipment including large tanker trucks, tractors, and boats.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Perform high level hatchery duties, including recording, compiling, analyzing, and maintaining records of data and activities. This includes sampling, chemical treatments, and fish health investigations.
At the direction of the Hatchery Manager and Assistant Hatchery Manager oversee and prioritize the daily worklist. Act as a crew leader when working in a group and ensure tasks are carried out safely, correctly and efficiently.
Oversee the condition of the outside raceways and ensure anything in need of repair or adjustment is addressed in a timely manner.
Ensure the overall health of the fish in the outside raceways is regularly monitored and health issues are quickly addressed.
Diagnose and treat fish, with minimal supervision, using proper therapeutics or antibiotics at appropriate dosage to cure and prevent disease.
Monitor rearing units that are under treatment and maintain chemical inventory.
Train and mentor new employees.
Responsibly distribute cold and warm water fish statewide requiring a Class B CDL with tanker and air brake endorsements. May involve overnight trips. Monitor and calculate loading capacities and densities.
Assist with grounds maintenance, including cleaning, pond treatments, mowing, and maintaining complex hatchery equipment.
Perform general administrative functions, such as answering phones, corresponding over email, maintaining publications, research, purchasing supplies, and completing accurate purchasing card logs.
Answer questions, comments, and concerns daily, directly, face to face, from the public regarding all aspects of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Monitor water quality including dissolved oxygen, flow rates, nitrogen saturations, turbidity and temperature.
Record, compile, analyze, and maintain records of data, including fish inventory, chemical treatments, fish health and related supplies.
Operate heavy equipment, including crane truck, aquatic underwater weed-cutting boat, 5-ton tanker truck in hazardous situations. Operate chainsaws in and around waterways.
Assist in planning educational programs such as KFDs, give group tours, and support angler recruitment programs.
Follow assigned processes to remain compliant with policies and regulations.
As a hatchery team, responsible for fish worth millions of dollars. Fish loss would cause financial repercussions to not only the Conservation Department, but also to the local community and contribute to angler dissatisfaction and non-participation.
Other duties as assigned.