Assists with fish culture activities at Bayless Hatchery and Dennis Wildlife Center. Species to include: striped bass, bluegill, redbreast, robust redhorse, channel catfish, tilapia and American shad. Includes culture aspects that pertain to broodstock collection, spawning, pond stocking, fertilization, feeding, water quality monitoring, harvesting and distribution. Notifies supervisor and takes corrective measure in the event of power outage, dissolved oxygen problems or disease issues. Assists with pond filling, draining, fertilization and aquatic weed treatments in rearing ponds for Phase-I striped bass production. Coordinates with the Hatchery Manager to fulfill duties in the event of another staff members' absence. Ensures that Bayless Hatchery and Dennis Wildlife Center grounds, culture-rearing systems, ponds, tanks and raceways, and buildings are neatly maintained and functioning correctly. Preserves all fish tissue DNA samples and coordinates storage and transport of samples to appropriate destination. Maintains hatchery broodfish records for accurate genetic analysis. Records accurate data during striped bass spawning, fry distribution and during pond harvest. Acts as a shift supervisor at the Bayless Striped Bass Hatchery. Cares for brood fish, culture of larvae, and supervises seasonal staff needed for routine hatchery operations. Hatches artemia to make sure striped bass fry are fed. Assists with fertilization counts. An associate degree in the technical sciences and one (1) year of experience in wildlife or fisheries work; or a high school diploma and three (3) years of experience in wildlife or fisheries work. Employee to have experience in fish hatchery operations, ideally with striped bass and other warm water fish species. Knowledge and experience in all aspects of striped bass culture, including larvae production, genetic tissue sampling, transportation, pond culture, herbicide application, and fingerling distribution. Similar skills to utilize for other species - bluegill, robust redhorse suckers, channel catfish and tilapia sp. Knowledge of boats, motors and operation of various hatchery equipment such as pumps, tractors, water quality instruments and lawn maintenance equipment. Ability to record data accurately and legibly. Word processing and computer skills. Ability to obtain category 5 non-commercial pesticide applicators license within one year of hire.
