Individual Placement - Husbandry Care

Student Conservation Association • San Marcos, TX

6h

About The Position

The individual placement is based at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife San Marcos
Aquatic Resources Center, with the individual primarily working with the Edwards
Aquafer Refugia Program. Our responsibility is to maintain several species of
endangered and threatened organisms that live in the Edwards Aquifer or its
associated springs and rivers. We currently house 8 species that include one
fish, one plant, several beetles, several salamanders and an amphipod. The
reason that we maintain the organisms is in case the springs run dry or there is
a chemical spill or other environmental perturbation. If the habitat is
compromised, we can reintroduce the species once the condition of the habitat
improves. We also do research on the organisms related to population genetics,
understanding their biology/ecology and improving their husbandry methods.

Requirements

• The member must have experience with Thermal Biological Assessment Devises.
• All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
• Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, scales, pipets, and forceps is preferred but not required
• Experience with husbandry and maintaining aquatic species is strongly preferred but not required. Experience building and maintaining aquaculture systems (i.e. fish tanks) is strongly preferred but not required.
• Education in aquatic sciences is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out thermal tolerance testing to determine minimum and maximum temperatures for Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan covered species
• Carry out thermal tolerance testing to determine prefered temperatures for Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan covered species
• Maintain the Thermal Biological Assessment Devise on station
• Provide husbandry and care for Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan covered species and any surrogate species
• Collect data and write summary reports on thermal tolerance testing outcomes
• The individual will be expected to assist USFWS staff with general station upkeep such as mowing, power washing and picking up trash
• The individual will have the opportunity to assist with other projects on station.

Benefits

• Defensive Driving Training
• Health Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed