Conservation Hatchery Technician

Position Summary

Participants will learn all aspects of caring for Atlantic salmon from seven populations and maintaining a modern conservation hatchery. Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery is the premier Atlantic salmon hatchery operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The opportunities to learn about Atlantic salmon, conservation efforts and cold-water fish culture are unparalleled.

Schedule

October 27, 2025 - December 20, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• 45%: Primary duties, performed throughout the service period, include cleaning of rearing units, tanks and pools, rearing unit repairs, pressure washing rearing areas, grounds maintenance, cleaning and maintenance of public use areas and bathhouses, and other general maintenance as required.
• 30%: Secondary duties include feeding juvenile and adult broodstock and learning to calculate feed rates, monitoring growth of future broodstock, conducting routine biological sampling, maintaining automated feeders and hand feed containers.
• 10%: Seasonal duties include releasing juvenile salmon [May], transporting adult salmon from a trapping facility to the hatchery [May – July], collecting biological samples for disease screening and genetic characterization [May – July], tagging juvenile future broodstock [July], electrofishing to collect juvenile salmon [September], and spawning adult Atlantic salmon [November – December].
• 10%: Participants will also assist with seasonal activities at Green Lake National Fish Hatchery including moving fry to outside rearing areas [May-June], collecting growth data and distributing parr amongst outside rearing areas [July-August], grading fall parr and parr distribution to the rivers [September].
• 5%: Opportunities to assist with other FWS, NPS, and State of Maine offices are currently being developed.

Marginal Duties

Not applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Course work: biology, ecology, fisheries science, and related subjects.
• Driver's License
• Personal Vehicle

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong interest in fisheries management, hatchery operation or aquaculture;
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team of peers as well as on independent projects;
• Willingness to work in challenging environmental conditions including heat, cold, uneven walking surfaces, and working in and around water [plan on getting wet a lot!].

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Provided on site. Shared housing is a ranch-style house with co-ed living space, three private bedrooms and one bathroom. The house includes a full kitchen, furnished living room, and dining area. The house is outfitted with basic eating utensils, cooking equipment, microwave, toaster and coffeemaker. Participants are required to provide their own bedding (including sheets, blankets, comforters and pillows) and bath linens.

Compensation

• Living Allowance - $375/week
• Relocation Travel Grant (car required) - $1,100
• AmeriCorps Education Award eligibility; 1200 Hour Award valued at $5,176

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• First Aid/CPR
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
• Resume and interview skills training
• Optional attendance at locally held Atlantic salmon related conferences

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.