Hatchery Culturist Intern

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is seeking a Hatchery Culturist Intern for a 12-week paid internship in Montebello, VA, offering $16.00 per hour. This opportunity is ideal for college students interested in fisheries management, providing hands-on experience in a fish hatchery. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in college. Housing and transportation are not provided, and the internship runs from May 16 to August 1, 2025.
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Title: Hatchery Culturist Intern

State Role Title: Paid Intern

Hiring Range: $16.00 per hour

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Montebello Hatchery

Agency Website: www.dwr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

Job Duties

This is a great opportunity for a college undergraduate or graduate student, who has a demonstrated interest in gaining valuable field experiences utilizing multiple types of fisheries management techniques, by working with Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) professionals who share the same passion. The DWR is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

DWR values Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion by striving to become a workforce that is reflective of the population it serves and recognized as the “employer of choice for all” in state government for recruiting, retaining, and sustaining a ready, diverse, and highly skilled workforce. We will ensure that policies and practices support an inclusive culture, not only in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, but also fosters an environment in which every individual has the opportunity to prosper and contribute to the mission of the agency.

The successful incumbent will be able to work in and adapt to changing situations and conditions, work outdoors in various weather conditions, lift and carry moderate loads over rough terrain, have the ability to read and comprehend detailed maps and other instructional information, and to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Incumbent must be comfortable in and around water.

The 12-week internship is from May 16, 2025, thru August 1, 2025, and will average 30-40 hours per week.

Housing is NOT provided for this internship opportunity. The successful incumbent will be responsible for securing their own housing and transportation needs.

The successful applicant will be required to earn a DWR Safe Boating Certificate prior to the start date. To find a DWR certified safe boating class near you, go to https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/education/requiremenl/stepsto-requiremenl/. Online and classroom options are available.

Opportunities for Professional Development

—Learn about Trout Culture husbandry at a fully operational fish hatchery;

—Learn about the visual observation of feeding parameters to allow for proper feed distribution to all fish respectively;

—Learn about and experience what it takes to operate and maintain a fish hatchery through the repair of grounds keeping tools and equipment, building maintenance to include plumbing, electrical, sanitation, painting, and construction;

—Learn about rearing raceway aeration, stocking regiments, fish waste removal and distribution techniques; and

—Learn bushhogging, weed-eating, brush clearing, soils monitoring, and pest management, techniques to maintain a productive fish hatchery.

Minimum Qualifications

—Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and be enrolled as a college undergraduate or graduate, for the fall 2025 semester;

—Must currently be authorized to work in the United States, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements

(www.uscis.gov/l-9);

—Minimum GPA of 2.8 and be able to provide official college/university documentation of current GPA;

—Have a valid driver’s license;

—Be comfortable in and around water;

—Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel);

—Able to work independently, while following supervisor’s instructions and guidance;

—Have the ability to collect, organize, analyze and disseminate information with attention to detail and accuracy;

—Have good verbal communication skills; and

—Have the ability to earn a DWR Safe Boating Certificate.

Additional Considerations

—Student working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of Natural Resources with a concentration or interest in fisheries conservation or management;

—Experience operating and/or repairing of small engines;

—Experience using hand tools for small repairs; and

—DWR Safe Boating Certificate.