Fisheries Technician I

at  Missouri Department of Conservation

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

Support general hatchery and aquaculture operations to help maintain a hatchery and fisheries programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of related professional experience.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license and Commercial Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass an approved boating safety course and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, land maintenance equipment, power tools and large trucks pulling trailers.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as a computer, calculator, camera, scanner, printer, and familiar with GPS/GIS equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of civic and sportsmen’s groups, Department staff, and visitors.
• Ability to respond to fish production emergencies involving long hours, hazardous conditions, and difficult circumstances frequently occurring during scheduled time off (e.g. nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Ability to maintain accurate records and perform data entry.
• Basic carpentry, mechanical and plumbing skills.
• Experience with fishery science and wildlife management.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to make independent decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Regularly operate tools and other machinery and relocate machinery to other areas.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, three-dimensional vision, precise hand-eye coordination and the ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Regularly lift up to 50 pounds, correctly lift up to 100 pounds.
• Concentrated attention is required at all times.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and drive long distances.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

EXEMPTION STATUS/SPECIAL NOTES

This position has been determined to be Nonexempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department’s Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.
Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.
MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.
The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an “Employment Eligibility Verification” (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.
Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.
All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Perform standard hatchery duties, including the collection and spawning of broodfish, incubation and treatment of eggs, feeding of fry/fingerlings, cleaning tanks, harvesting, and delivery of fish.
• Responsibly distribute cold and warm water fish statewide requiring a Class B CDL with tanker and air brake endorsements. May involve overnight trips.
• Keep detailed fish production records including the use of hormones, chemicals, and feed.
• Collect routine water chemistry daily in rearing units. Monitor water quality including dissolved oxygen, flow rates, nitrogen saturations, turbidity, and temperature.
• Diagnose and apply therapeutic treatment for fish disease under supervision.
• Follow assigned processes to remain compliant with policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Assist with grounds maintenance, including cleaning, pond treatments, mowing, and maintaining complex hatchery equipment.
• Perform general administrative functions, such as answering phones, corresponding over email, maintaining publications, research, purchasing supplies, and completing accurate purchasing card logs.
• Answer questions, comments, and concerns daily, directly, face to face, from the public regarding all aspects of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
• Maintain and construct equipment, including boats, vehicles, buildings, oxygen systems, and screens. Experience with plumbing, electrical, building trades, vehicle maintenance, and welding preferred.

ANCILLARY JOB DUTIES

• As a hatchery team, responsible for fish worth millions of dollars. Fish loss would cause financial repercussions to not only the Conservation Department, but also to the local community and contribute to angler dissatisfaction and non-participation.
• Other duties as assigned.