Aquaculture Technician (OSE/ISC #10118768)

Posting Details

To learn more about the Office of the State Engineer, please visit our website: https://www.ose.nm.gov

Why does the job exist?

This position exists to assist the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) and the State of New Mexico (NM) by contributing to NM commitments and activities on the Middle Rio Grande water operations and river maintenance programmatic biological opinion that was issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2016. This job is essential for protecting water uses such as irrigation, municipal and domestic use, and interstate stream compact deliveries. The ISC has worked with federal, state, and local agencies to protect water deliveries and water rights concerns by actively addressing some of USFWS requirements under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Los Lunas Silvery Minnow Refugium (LLSMR) was built by the ISC to ensure the listed MRG fish (Rio Grande silvery minnow) would be protected from extinction even during times of severe ongoing drought conditions. This position is needed to work with the LLSMR manager to operate the conservation hatchery facility and to provide up to 50,000 fish annually for augmentation, conduct scientific studies, and contribute to adaptive management of the MRG river and riparian system. Captive fish raised at the facility are stocked into the Middle Rio Grande to bolster dwindling populations.

How does it get done?

1. Daily water quality monitoring and analysis, adjustments to fish culture units to create an adequate environment for growth, managing natural food production, spawning brood stock, and other direct duties related to fish production management.

2. Routine maintenance of mechanical and plumbing issues for the facility. Troubleshoot and repair moderately complex equipment including the tank and outdoor refugium.

3. Technical and data management to ensure compliance with federal permitting and to keep the facility operating smoothly and assist with any technical data to support the ISC's mission.

Who are the customers?

The US Fish and Wildlife Service the Middle Rio Grande and resident of the State of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:

1. Attention to detail
2. Self-motivated
3. Outdoor work
4. Animal/ fish care
5. Water quality
6. Outdoor field work

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, or Engineering. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Working Conditions

This position includes working in the field that consist of rough terrain including heat, cold, humidity, and wind to determine water usage or irrigated acreage, and read meters.  May have to climb, reach, kneel and crawl to perform field job duties. May also lift up to 50 pounds. This position must also follow all safety protocols in the office and in the field.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Alison Hutson (505) 487-0905 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Salary : $55,273 - $82,909