Fish Culturist (Wildlife Biologist I)

The State of Utah is hiring a Fish Culturist (Wildlife Biologist I) for the Springville Fish Hatchery. The role involves propagating fish, maintaining hatchery facilities, and conducting various operations related to fish health and stocking. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in aquaculture or a related field, experience in cold-water fish culture, and basic maintenance skills. A valid driver's license is required. This position is not remote.
About the position

The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking a dedicated Fish Culturist (Wildlife Biologist I) to join the team at the Springville Fish Hatchery in Springville, Utah. This position is ideal for individuals who have a passion for fish and a desire to contribute to the propagation and stocking of fish species that enhance the state's natural waters. As a Fish Culturist, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the hatchery facility and its equipment, ensuring the health and growth of fish populations, and supporting various hatchery operations. In this role, you will be responsible for propagating fish, which includes feeding them according to specified levels and techniques, cleaning troughs, raceways, and other water management structures, and assisting in spawning and egg disinfection operations. You will also learn to conduct necropsies on various fish groups and gather biological data for entry into databases and agency programs. Additionally, you will assist in loading fish for distribution to state waters and maintain the hatchery facilities, equipment, and grounds. The position requires you to inspect facilities and equipment to ensure safety and functionality, assist in diagnosing and repairing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical issues, and participate in hatchery tours and non-hatchery division projects. Training in various areas of hatchery operations will also be part of your responsibilities. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in aquaculture or a related field, have knowledge of cold-water fish culture, and demonstrate basic maintenance and construction skills. Excellent communication skills and a valid Utah driver's license are essential for this role. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience in wildlife-related natural resources positions.

Responsibilities
• Propagating fish species and feeding them using proper techniques.
,
• Cleaning troughs, raceways, quiescent zones, and other water management structures.
,
• Assisting in spawning, egg picking, and egg disinfection operations.
,
• Learning and assisting with necropsies of various fish groups.
,
• Gathering biological data and entering it into databases and agency programs.
,
• Assisting in loading fish for distribution to state waters.
,
• Maintaining facilities, equipment, lawns, shrubbery, and hatchery grounds.
,
• Inspecting facilities, machinery, and equipment for safety and maintenance.
,
• Assisting in diagnosing and repairing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical problems.
,
• Assisting with hatchery tours and non-hatchery division projects.
,
• Attending training in various areas of the division and hatchery operations.

Requirements
• High school diploma or GED required.
,
• Valid driver's license required.
,
• Bachelor's degree in Aquaculture, Fish and Wildlife, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
,
• Knowledge of and/or experience with cold-water fish culture.
,
• Basic maintenance and construction trade skills (electrical, plumbing, heating and air, welding, carpentry, etc.).
,
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills.
,
• Ability to follow directions accurately.
,
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Nice-to-haves
• Bachelor's degree in a natural resources field.
,
• 6 years of demonstrated successful experience in a wildlife-related natural resources position.

Benefits
• Generous paid time off to promote work-life balance.
,
• Opportunity to work in a team dedicated to managing and protecting Utah waters.