Fish Culture Biologist

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Division of Fish, Wildlife and Parks 

 Fish Culture Biologist Classification: Fish Biologist - Senior 

Work Location: Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery

Position Summary: This position requires a high level of knowledge of fish culture, fish diseases, complex electrical and mechanical systems, environmental monitoring, and accurate record keeping. This position requires lead worker skills, communication skills, planning expertise, computer skills, ability to work with others, and an ability to understand, convey, and carry out instructions. This position will be the lead in ensuring compliance with WPDES requirements and oversee all aspects of fish production on site. This position will be added to the hatchery alarm call list. Geographic Scope and Travel Requirements:

This position is stationed at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery. Regular travel between other facilities may be required. Periodic travel is required within the region and statewide for meetings. Telework is not an option. 

Scope of Authority: This position reports to the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery Operations Supervisor. This position will direct the work of Fish Technician – Advanced and LTE staff daily at Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery. This position will be the primary lead worker in the absence of the supervisor. 

Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

60% A. Fish production 

A1. In conjunction with the Hatchery Supervisor and Fish Production Manager, develop a hatchery production plan for cool water fish. Support other Department facilities and external partners by planning to produce fish for transfers. Work to accommodate fish production plan changes as they occur with available resources.

A2. Direct and work alongside all hatchery staff daily to produce quality fish for stocking. Coordinate with the hatchery supervisor and facility technicians to spawn appropriate brood stocks, incubate and hatch eggs, and rear fish to the right size at the desired time for stocking.

A3. Coordinate the harvest and distribution of fish utilizing best management practices.

A4. Work with and direct technicians to identify appropriate types and amounts of fish feed needed to meet stocking goals and take the lead on procuring manufactured feeds and forage for the facility.

A5. Monitor fish health within the facilities and in collaboration with all hatchery staff implement any needed corrective actions to culture healthy fish for stocking. Work with Operations Supervisor to schedule appropriately timed fish health inspections to support stocking of fish and transfers to other Department locations.

A6. Monitor facility water supply for quantity and quality. Develop treatments as needed to meet water quality standards recommended by the USFWS for the culture of fish.

A7. Conduct environmental monitoring according to WPDES permit, submit samples and report results according to deadline. Assist in submitting application and consult with Wastewater Engineer to keep permit valid. A8. Assume work unit responsibilities in the absence of the supervisor.

15% B. Training and hiring

B1. Research, develop, and implement new and improved technology and techniques to improve the suitability of cultured fish for stocking from within the assigned workstation.

B2. Export new technology and new techniques to other Department facilities.

B3. As research leads to improved technology and techniques, train all staff to gain system wide improvements within the Department’s rearing facilities.

B4. Train new team members on fish culture tasks. Impart site specific knowledge to assure team integration.

B5. Develop, maintain, and deliver a training program for new limited term and new full time fisheries technicians working at the facility.

B6. Participate in the hiring process for LTE and FTE technicians.

15% C. Manage fish production records

C1. Maintain and submit hatchery/facility production records, including lot histories, stocking, and transfer receipts. Follow all DNR and DATCP regulations and policies, obtain required permits, certificates, and documents as per pre-determined deadlines.

C2. Responsible for developing, understanding, implementing, updating, and enforcing biosecurity protocols and a HACCP plan with guidance set by the facility/work unit supervisor and Fish Culture Section.

C3. Develop and maintain BMP’s and Standard Operating Procedures for the facility.

5% D. Implement public information, outreach, and education program

D1. Conduct tours of the hatchery promoting the Fish Culture and Management Sections.

D2. Develop and maintain displays and public use areas.

D3. Provide information and referrals for information as requested by internal and external customers.

D4. Coordinate and/or participate in promoting/educating the public regarding the employees’ area of expertise, fish culture, fish management or any fisheries related issues.

5% E. Organizational Responsiveness

E.1 Review and keep current of changes in knowledge and practices found in Fish Management Handbook, Standard Operating Procedures and Best Management Practices of position-related activities and responsibilities.

E.2 Participate in job-related training and organizational meetings as assigned by supervisor.

E.3 Prepare forms and reports as necessary for personnel and budget accounting purposes in a timely manner.

E.4 Perform other position-related duties as assigned.

E.5 Follow all general and position-related safety requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Knowledge of the life history of coolwater fish • Knowledge of coolwater fish culture • Knowledge of fish health • Knowledge of fish hatchery water supply system and functions • Knowledge of the HACCP plan • Knowledge of WDPES permit requirements and sampling protocols • Skill in basic purchasing procedures. • Skill in outreach, education, and customer service • Skill in hatchery production record keeping, including records on various computer systems (desktop and online) • Skill in the use of personal computers and the following Microsoft applications: correct Department Software, Word, Excel, and Outlook. • Skill in effectively contributing to diverse working teams • Ability to conduct basic water chemistry (Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and residual ammonia) tests. • Ability to implement biosecurity plans for water supply and hatchery operations • Ability to administer fish hatchery alarm functions, to determine alarm, response issues, safety issues, when to call for help, and addressing alarmed conditions. • DNR work planning and budget procedures and requirements • Hatchery workload and scheduling of personnel Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors Strength Requirements Sedentary work (exerting up to 10 pounds of force or more occasionally and / or a negligible amount of force frequently) less than 15% over a year’s time. Physically, this position will spend up to 75% of the time doing sedentary (office) work. The remaining 25% of the time is doing heavy physical work (exerting 50-100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 25-50 pounds of force frequently) outdoors. Other Requirements • Work hours may be variable and occur 7 days a week, 24 hours a day by scheduling, or emergency. • A Pesticide Applicator license will be required to be obtained within 12 months of employment. • A valid State of Wisconsin driver's license is required upon/throughout employment.