Hatchery Culturist Intern

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is offering a 12-week Hatchery Culturist Internship for college students interested in fisheries management. Interns will gain hands-on experience in various outdoor tasks related to fish hatchery operations. The position requires adaptability to changing conditions, effective communication, and physical capability. The internship runs from May 16, 2025, to August 1, 2025, with no housing provided.
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.