Individual Placement - Fisheries Technician at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery

Student Conservation Association • Burnet, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fisheries Technician will assist with channel catfish production for Federal Tribal trust obligations and the culture of Central Texas freshwater mussels. The role also supports research, production of the federally endangered Clear Creek Gambusia, facility and grounds maintenance, and public outreach at the hatchery.

The position is based at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery in Burnet, Texas. Work is conducted primarily in a front-country setting, where emergency services may be delayed by one to two hours. Public transportation is limited or unavailable, and cell reception may be spotty or unavailable. The position involves regular interaction with the public and may include work in natural environments and severe or inclement weather, heat, and exposure to environmental hazards.

The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, normally 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., subject to change at management's discretion. The appointment runs from January 11, 2027, through July 9, 2027. On-site housing is provided, subject to availability and management discretion, with basic furnishings, cookware, linens, utilities, and Starlink internet. Compensation includes a $675 weekly living allowance and a one-time $1,100 relocation travel allowance; allowances are subject to applicable taxes. Defensive driving training is offered, and AmeriCorps participation is eligible and optional. This SCA position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Meet Public Land Corps eligibility: be age 16–30 inclusive, or a veteran age 35 or younger, and be a U.S. citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent, agree to obtain one, or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
• Bring a personal vehicle.
• Be able to understand, follow, and communicate hazards, procedures, and safety policies; wear required personal protective equipment; cooperate with others on group tasks; and manage environmental exposure, nutrition, hydration, and any prescribed medication independently.
• Be able to work in variable routines and potentially difficult conditions, interact positively with people of varying perspectives, and comply with partner driving requirements if driving for the partner organization.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or coursework in a biological field.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle for the partner agency or organization; driving is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Culture Central Texas freshwater mussels using in-vivo and in-vitro methods, care for and feed juveniles, and assist with research efforts; duties are performed under the Malacologist's direction and take 50% of the time.
• Spawn and collect eggs; care for eggs and sac fry; feed and care for juvenile through broodstock channel catfish; and assist with harvest and shipment under the Lead Fish Biologist's or Assistant Project Leader's direction; duties take 30% of the time.
• Assist with facility and grounds maintenance, public outreach at the station, production of the federally endangered Clear Creek Gambusia, and other duties as assigned; marginal duties take the remaining 20% of the time.

Benefits

• On-site housing, subject to availability and management discretion, with basic furnishings, cookware, basic linens, utilities, and Starlink internet.
• $675 weekly living allowance.
• One-time $1,100 relocation travel allowance.
• Defensive driving training.
• Optional eligibility for AmeriCorps.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED