Individual Placement - Fish Hatchery Operations

Student Conservation Association

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and improve national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, hatcheries, marine sanctuaries, significant landmarks, green spaces, and more across the country. The Southeast Region (Region 4) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program propose to utilize Student Conservation Association AmeriCorps members to support mission-critical hatchery-based fish culture and aquatic species propagation programs. The Service will place individuals at strategic locations throughout the region based on programmatic needs involving hatchery production support. Members will assist with foundational hatchery fish-culture duties including all aspects of fish husbandry and hatchery operations, feeding fish, monitoring water quality, cleaning tanks and raceways, handling and transferring fish, caring for eggs, and preparing fish for stocking or distribution. The role involves maintaining accurate records of feeding, growth, and mortality, inspecting and servicing equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Additionally, the interns support conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species such as freshwater mussels, turtles, crayfish, and various fish by monitoring health, maintaining enclosures, disinfecting equipment, and assisting with field collection. Responsibilities also include grounds and facility upkeep, such as mowing, trimming, landscaping, and maintaining pathways and buildings to ensure a safe, accessible, and presentable environment for the public. This role will provide direct experience in hands-on hatchery operations, making the intern a vital contributing member of the hatchery staff supporting species propagation, conservation, and restoration.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Valid Driver's License
Ability to lift and carry more than 50 lbs.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Ability to work safely in aquatic, muddy, and uneven environments
Ability to legally work in the U.S. (part of SCA’s National Direct AmeriCorps program)

Nice To Haves

Ability to work effectively in strenuous outdoor and hatchery environments while maintaining attention to detail and safety
Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, environmental science, wildlife, or related field (or equivalent experience)
1+ year of experience in conservation work, hatchery operations, or fish culture
Experience with fish husbandry, water quality testing, spawning/rearing, or fisheries field sampling

Responsibilities

Assist in all aspects of fish husbandry and hatchery operations
Feed fish according to established schedules and monitor feeding behavior.
Monitor water quality by checking and recording temperature, dissolved oxygen, and flow rates
Clean tanks, raceways, and rearing units to maintain hygiene and fish health.
Assist with fish handling, including grading, sorting, and transferring fish between rearing units
Prepare fish for stocking or distribution following hatchery guidelines.
Care for eggs and incubation equipment
Identify and report signs of disease or parasites; assist with treatments under supervision
Maintain accurate records of feeding, water quality, fish growth, and mortality
Help with packing and shipping fish or eggs for distribution
Follow all safety protocols and hatchery compliance guidelines
Inspect pumps, aerators, heaters, chillers, and filtration systems for proper operation
Clean and maintain tanks, raceways, ponds, and plumbing for all species
Document water quality, feeding schedules, growth measurements, and mortality for all species
Maintain accurate logs for research, permits, and regulatory compliance
Check health and growth of mussels, fish, turtles, mammals, and crayfish
Perform routine cleaning of enclosures, trays, and substrates
Assist with field collection and monitoring as needed
Disinfect equipment and work areas to prevent cross-species disease transmission
Maintain inventory of species-specific supplies (algae, fish feed, turtle diets, crayfish substrates, chemicals) Assist with keeping the facility’s grounds safe and presentable by mowing, trimming, clearing debris, managing vegetation and landscaping, maintaining pathways and buildings, and ensuring equipment is in good working order
Maintain clear and accessible access for staff and visitors, and equipment to ensure safe and optimal movement throughout the facility
Operate and maintain equipment (mowers, trimmers, etc.) to prevent malfunctions and loss of production
Mow and trim grass regularly and maintain landscaping to keep grounds neat and presentable for the public preventing unsafe conditions