Job Specification Details

Scientific, supervisory, and administrative work at a professional level for the Fish & Wildlife Department involving the operation of the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station. Duties include the planning and direction of operations and maintenance activities including assuring that the buildings, grounds, and equipment are properly maintained; that optimum breeding and culture conditions are established and maintained and has primary responsibility for research planning, design analysis, and scientific reporting. Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional and other fish culture workers, where an on-site Fish Production Supervisor and Fish Culture Engineer Supervisor co-supervise subordinate employees and then report to the Fish Culture Specialist VI . Work is performed under the general direction of the Fish Culture Operations Manager.

Plans, directs, and participates in all fish propagation and culture activities at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station. Oversees fish stocking activities and transport of fish to other stations as needed. Coordinates the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station program with other state and federal fish culture programs, fisheries management personnel, and fish health and broodstock programs. 

Hires and trains facility personnel. Oversees the preparation of work schedules, purchase orders, and supply requisitions. Participates in design and delivery of training programs for personnel.  Responsible for overall facility personnel management and employee evaluations.

Responsible for fish health management, broodstock development, and fish rearing strategies. 

Administers assigned budget. Ensures that contracts are awarded, schedules developed for sludge disposal, laboratory testing of sludge, soils, and water, procurement of oxygen supplies, propane and other supplies as needed. Plans and executes a variety of research activities at the facility as well as statewide programs. 

Assures that legal requirements are met for state and federal permits. 

Plans and directs all buildings, grounds, and equipment maintenance activities at the facility. 

Conducts public relations work regarding fish culture operations, including development of visitor facilities and educational materials, escorting visitors and conducting educational tours through the fish culture station’s facilities. 

Responds to emergencies as needed. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed largely at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station both indoors and outdoors in all seasons, but with field trips for stocking purposes. A valid driver's license is required. An incumbent may be the only employee on duty for operational surveillance on evening, night shifts, and/or on weekends. The incumbent is subject to call-in any time due to emergencies arising from equipment failure, sick or diseased fish, employee absences, or other reasons. Significant physical labor is involved in the performance of fish culture and related duties under varying climatic conditions. A person in this position may be required to live in Department provided housing.

Extensive knowledge of all specialized methods and procedures used in fish culture.

Extensive knowledge of the culture and propagation of game fish and other selected species.

Ability to direct fish handling operations.

Thorough knowledge of the quality, reliability, and sources of the water supplies for the assigned facility, and any treatment required for its use in rearing fish.

Ability to meet established production goals.

Extensive  knowledge of diseases and stress factors which may adversely affect fish being cultured.

Extensive knowledge of available methods, treatments, and procedures to remedy adverse environmental conditions and disease problems, and the ability to implement them.

Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of specialized hatchery equipment such as aerators, fish graders, feeders, pumps, motors, water filtration equipment, etc.

Ability to effectively schedule, plan and direct the work of subordinates.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.

Ability to train assigned personnel in site-specific operations, resources and needs.

Ability to cooperate and coordinate with other facilities to enhance the effectiveness of statewide fish culture programs.

Knowledge of principles and practices of effective administration. 

Considerable knowledge of common office management techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, and scientific publications. 

Ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.

Master's degree in fish culture, or a natural resources field and three (3) years or more experience in the propagation and culture of food or game fish AND one (1) one year or more of supervisory experience.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in fish culture, or a natural resources field and five (5) years or more of experience in the propagation and culture of food or game fish AND two (2) years or more of supervisory experience.

OR

Six (6) years or more experience in the propagation and culture of food or game fish AND two (2) years or more of supervisory experience.

OR

One (1) year as a Fish Culture Specialist V for the State of Vermont.

A person in this position would be required to live in Department provided housing when housing is available.

Must obtain a pesticide applicators license and CPR certification within six month of hire.