Fish Culture Specialist

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Please remember to attach the required documents, Cover Letter and Resume. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a resume. This position closes at 11: 59 pm Mountain time on April 13th, 2024. You must apply through the State of Montana Career Site. 

Special Information:

Incumbent must possess a basic knowledge of fish biology and fish culture. Must have good speaking and writing skills, and good computer skills with ability to use Microsoft Office software. Must have good math skills, including use of statistics and algebra. Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job (capable of lifting and carrying 50 lb objects numerous times daily and working outdoors in all kinds of weather). Must possess basic vocational skills in repair and maintenance or could learn them without extensive training. Must be able to work without constant supervision. Must possess, or get within 4 months from first day of work, a Montana commercial driver license with tanker and air brake endorsements, and a DOT medical examiner's certificate. It is preferred but not required that you have prior experience driving a manual transmission. 

Must have common sense and good observation skills. Must be patient, polite, and accomodate the public. Must be flexible, and adaptable to new and unique situations. Must be able to communicate clearly and organize thoughts. Must be willing to accept extreme working conditions, flexible hours, and extensive trips of a week or longer. 
This hatchery is located next to the largest visited state park in the state of Montana and providing public outreach to visitors, school groups, and private entities is a vital role of this position. 

State housing is provided at the hatchery and employee is required to live there. Employee will perform fish and water supply protection duty after hours and work weekends and holidays in rotation with other employees living in state housing This typically results in working one weekend out of every three weekends. 

Job Duties:

 Duties include daily fish culture activities for cold water species (trout). Collect, receive, disinfect, enurmerate, chemically treat, and incubate fish eggs. Monitor and estimate hatching and swim up survival. Perform tasks associated with feeding up to 10 different lots of fish (feeding, monitoring feed intake and waste, and adjusting feeding rates). Provide a non-stressful rearing environment (cleaning, monitoring and adjusting flows, and monitoring gas levels). Observes, reports, and alleviates fish health problems (recognizes signs and symptoms, identifies probable pathogens through necropsy, calculates and administers therapeutic treatments). Maintains the proper carrying capacity of rearing units (samples, transfers, inventories fish lots). Evaluates fish culture techniques by researching scientific publications, attending workshops, and conducting experiments. Loads fish into trucks utilizing several types of inventory methods, operates 2 types of delivery trucks ( 1 ton 4x4, and two Class B diesels rated over 26,000 GVW), monitors fish health en route making adjustments as necessary, and releases fish into various waters throughout the state. Operates othe unique hatchery equipment (gas meters, microscope, fish loader, pumps, graders, forklift). Must perform fish and water supply protection duty in rotation with other employees living on-station. 

Performs unique and skilled maintenance and repair of hatchery equipment, trucks, buildings, and grounds to keep facility i excellent operational and visually good condition. 

Assist supervisor with data collection, entering information on forms and/or computer. Helps with bill payments. May be assigned as acting supervisor when supervisor is away for extended periods. 

Performs tasks outside of Giant Springs Trout Hatchery such as working at other hatcheries (helping with spawning or stocking), spawning wild brood stocks, and performing various public relation activities (tours, kids fishing day, presentations, school activities). 

Giant Springs Fish Hatchery is located just on the outskirts of Great Falls Montana. The hatchery grounds are bordered by th Missouri River on one side and Giant Springs State Park on the other side. Great Falls is in the central part of Montana approximately 60 east of the beautiful rocky mountain front. Great Falls has a population of around 60,000 and an elevation of 3,300 feet. Like most of the eastern half of Montana, Great Falls will consist of warm summers and cold winters.