Research Technician

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports a comprehensive and collaborative research program on conservation and monitoring of freshwater mussels in Virginia. The Virginia Tech Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation is accepting applications for a freshwater mussel recovery specialist to be stationed at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center in Marion, VA. The candidate will work closely with the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Center at Virginia Tech to occasionally assist with field and laboratory work as part of a collaborative project to restore freshwater mussels in Virginia. Qualified applicants should possess a willingness to learn mussel and fish identification in the Upper Tennessee and Upper Ohio River Basins, have experience and/or training for the captive care of stream fish or mussels, and/or experience working in streams or other aquatic environments. Knowledge of plumbing techniques and an ability to resolve water flow and mechanical issues at an aquaculture facility is preferred but will not disqualify applicants. Qualified applicants will require the ability to hike up to a mile over course terrain several days per week, even under adverse weather conditions. Snorkeling and electrofishing experience or the willingness to participate in these activities are essential. The position will be full-time for a max of 1500 hours per fiscal year with occasional weekend and holiday maintenance duties. The position may be renewable based on performance and availability through 2027. The position will have a preferred hire date of August 1, 2026. The candidate will participate in field and laboratory work to include the following: conduct mussel propagation and culture; maintain algae for feeding mussels; maintain fish hosts in captivity; conduct routine plumbing to repair leaks; assist with conducting research on culture methods and monitoring for freshwater mussels; collect fish via electroshocking; collect mussels from various rivers in Virginia and Tennessee; operate and maintain field and lab equipment to monitor water quality; assist with field work to monitor mussels; assist with administering projects and preparation of required reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, Aquatic Sciences, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn identification of freshwater mussels and fishes
• Experience working in aquatic environments (e.g., streams, rivers, or similar settings)
• Ability to support research activities, including implementing experiments and following protocols
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect, record, and manage data
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying environmental and weather conditions
• Ability to safely lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain
• Ability to swim and participate in water-based activities (e.g., snorkeling, electrofishing)
• Willingness to travel overnight and work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays

Nice To Haves

• Experience identifying freshwater mussels and host fish species in field settings
• Experience assessing reproductive condition (e.g., gravid status) of mussels
• Experience conducting mussel propagation, including glochidia infestations on host fish
• Experience maintaining aquatic organisms in captivity, including recirculating aquaculture systems
• Knowledge of plumbing systems and experience troubleshooting water delivery or mechanical issues
• Experience working independently in both field and laboratory environments
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative freshwater mussel monitoring techniques

Responsibilities

• Conduct mussel propagation and culture
• Maintain algae for feeding mussels
• Maintain fish hosts in captivity
• Conduct routine plumbing to repair leaks
• Assist with conducting research on culture methods and monitoring for freshwater mussels
• Collect fish via electroshocking
• Collect mussels from various rivers in Virginia and Tennessee
• Operate and maintain field and lab equipment to monitor water quality
• Assist with field work to monitor mussels
• Assist with administering projects and preparation of required reports

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level