Fish Culture Specialist I – limited service

Job Code:           326500

Pay Plan:            Classified

Pay Grade:         19

Occupational Category:              Life, Physical & Social Science

Effective Date

Class Definition             

Fish culture and maintenance work at a professional level for the Department of Fish & Wildlife involving the propagation and care of fish at a fish culture station. This is an entry level position which functions under close direction and supervision. Promotion is contingent upon fulfillment of established criteria for the Specialist 2 class. Duties are performed under the supervision of a Fish Culture Station Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor.

Examples of Work       

• Administers feed to fish using techniques appropriate to a determined regimen. Observes and reports any problems with feed utilization or acceptance which may require adjustments. Assists in the calculation of appropriate feeding regimens. Cleans and maintains fish rearing tanks and raceways. Monitors changes in level or quality of water supplies, makes adjustments within abilities, and alerts higher level personnel to problems. Loads, transports, and stocks fish as assigned. Ensures that conditions at stocking points are adequate for fish survival before releasing.
• Observes fish to identify behavioral abnormalities or possible health problems, reports to higher level personnel, and assists in investigation of causes and development of appropriate responses. Administers chemical treatments as prescribed and under supervision.
• Participates in preventive maintenance and repair of facility equipment.
• Assists in public outreach efforts. Performs related duties as required.

Environmental Factors             

Duties are performed primarily at a fish culture station, both indoors and outdoors in all seasons, but with field trips for stocking purposes. A valid Vermont driver's license is required. Consistent with training and experience, incumbents may be solely responsible for operational surveillance on evening or night shifts or on weekends and are subject to call-in at any time due to emergencies, employee absences, or other reasons. Significant physical labor is involved in both fish culture and maintenance activities under varying climatic conditions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of fish culture principles and practices.
• Working knowledge of species and strains of fish reared at the assigned facility.
• Ability to feed fish in appropriate manner and amounts.
• Ability to perform water quality and other environmental monitoring.
• Ability to participate in data collection on fish development.
• Ability to evaluate fish behavioral abnormalities and to determine the urgency of responses.
• Awareness of diseases and stress factors which may adversely affect fish being cultured.
• Ability to operate and safely use hand and power tools for the maintenance of vehicles, buildings, and equipment.
• Knowledge of the operation and mechanical maintenance of, and repair techniques for, equipment used at the assigned facility.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions of some complexity.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications            

Bachelor's degree in fish culture or a natural resources field.

OR

One (1) year or more experience in the propagation and culture of food or game fish.

This position is defined as “limited-service”. This means the position is evaluated and renewed on a 3-year cycle. Currently this position is renewed through June of 2025 and we expect continued renewal indefinitely. This position is still considered full-time and receives full state employee benefits.

This position functions on a rotating shift schedule. Specifically, an employee in this position would work 4 weeks on second shift (3:30pm – 12:00am) and 2 weeks on first shift (7:30am – 4:00pm) with occasional holiday and weekend coverage on second shift.