Hatchery Operations Intern

with Mount Shavano State Fish Hatchery

Salida, CO

Service Dates: March 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 

Average Hours per Week: 40 

Days/Hours of Service: M-F, 8 hours/day, some weekends or holidays may be required Minimum # of Hours to Complete Term: 1200 Hours minimum 

Program Overview: Blue Elements Watershed Stewards is committed to increasing community resilience in the face of changing water conditions by supporting sustainable, equitable access to one of Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. AmeriCorps members will support organizations serving the water conservation, restoration, education and monitoring sectors in the Arkansas River Valley and beyond. Members may provide water education to youth and adults, complete water restoration projects, and support water quality monitoring projects. Members will work with diverse, traditionally underrepresented community members. 

Service Site Overview: Since 1881, Colorado Parks & Wildlife fish hatcheries have been dedicated to improving the fish populations of our beautiful state. Today, CPW operates 19 hatcheries that breed, hatch, rear, and stock over 90 million fish per year. Many of the fish produced are to enhance angling opportunities, while others serve a critical role in native species recovery efforts. Colorado fish hatcheries support our angling pastime, which annually contributes 2.4 billion dollars to our state's economy. Purchased in 1956, the Mt. Shavano Hatchery is one of the largest trout units in the state. Mt. Shavano produces approximately 550,000 whirling disease-negative, catchable (10-inch) trout and about 2 million sub-catchable fish (2−5 inches) per year. Species such as rainbow, Snake River cutthroat, cutthroat-rainbow crosses, and kokanee salmon are raised at the unit.

Service Position Summary: The Blue Elements Watershed Stewards AmeriCorps Hatchery Operations Internship service position with the Mt Shavano State Fish Hatchery will provide the opportunity to learn all aspects of fish hatchery duties, increasing capacity for watershed stewardship and education. 

AmeriCorps Member Primary Responsibilities: 

• Feeding Fish 
• Cleaning Rearing Containers 
• Biological Data Collection 
• Egg Care and Treatment 
• Light Construction 
• Plumbing 
• Grounds and Building Maintenance 
• Waterflow and Chemistry Management 
• Support transport and release of fish for recreational opportunities. 
• Interacting with and educating the general public visiting the fish hatchery, which may include youth. 
• Support maintaining biosecurity 

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at 7725 CR 154, Salida, CO 81201. The position will involve frequent days of service outdoors and may involve frequently working with children and community members. 

Qualifications: 

• Passionate about engaging communities in watershed stewardship 
• Strong professional communication skills 
• Basic computer skills 
• Must be willing and able to carry at least 50 pounds. 
• Must be willing and able to work occasionally in extreme weather conditions. ● Must be willing and able to work occasional weekends. 
• Commitment to ethics of diversity, equity, and inclusion 

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications: 

• At least 17 years old at start of service 
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. 
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States 
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202

Watershed Stewards AmeriCorps Program Benefits: 

• Living Allowance- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $17,090 paid out bi-monthly at $1,068.13 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Education Award / Tuition Assistance- AmeriCorps member(s) can receive an Education Award upon successful completion of service in the amount of $5,176.50. This can be used to pay back student loans or further your education.
• All members receive professional development and training, plus covered travel costs for attendance at regional or state conferences. 
• All members may be eligible for the Federal Assistance Program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.) 
• All members may qualify for student loan forbearance while in service. 
• Alumni benefits may include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers 

of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt. 

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Statement: 

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds and abilities to apply. We are committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.