Individual Placement - Husbandry Care at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife San Mar at Student Conservation Association

San Marcos, Texas, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

03 Jun, 26

Salary

600.0

Posted On

05 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Husbandry, Aquatic Species Care, Data Collection, Field Collections, Dip Netting, Drift Netting, Seining, Minnow Traps, Aquaculture, Laboratory Equipment Use, Microscopy, Population Genetics, Ecology, Station Upkeep, Threatened Species Management

Industry

Environmental Services

Description

Position Summary The individual placement is based at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center, with the individual primarily working with the Edwards Aquafer Refugia Program. Our responsibility is to maintain several species of endangered and threatened organisms that live in the Edwards Aquifer or its associated springs and rivers. We currently house 8 species that include one fish, one plant, several beetles, several salamanders and an amphipod. The reason that we maintain the organisms is in case the springs run dry or there is a chemical spill or other environmental perturbation. If the habitat is compromised, we can reintroduce the species once the condition of the habitat improves. We also do research on the organisms related to population genetics, understanding their biology/ecology and improving their husbandry methods. Location San Marcos, TX Schedule May 18, 2026 - December 11, 2026 Key Duties and Responsibilities • The primary duty is to assist with the daily care of the organisms: feeding, cleaning tanks and field gear and assisting with data collection; • Additional duties include field collections in rivers and lakes for aquifer dependent threatened and endangered species. Collection methods include dip netting, drift netting, seining, and using minnow traps. • Work closely with threatened and endangered aquatic species across taxonomic groups • Gain experience with non-traditional animal husbandry • Gain experience with aquaculture • Gain experience with field collections in rivers, lakes, and wells/cave openings • Become familiar with multiple field gears and collection methods • Become familiar with using lab equipment and scopes • Gain experience collecting data Marginal Duties • The individual will be expected to assist USFWS staff with general station upkeep such as mowing, power washing and picking up trash; • The individual will have the opportunity to assist with other projects on station. Required Qualifications No required skills or education. 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 • Experience using laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, scales, pipets, and forceps is preferred but not required; • Experience with husbandry and maintaining aquatic species is strongly preferred but not required. Experience building and maintaining aquaculture systems (i.e. fish tanks) is strongly preferred but not required. • Education in aquatic sciences is preferred but not required. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Housing is not provided Compensation Living Allowance: $600/week All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Personal Vehicle Information Recommended Additional Benefits Defensive Driving Training AmeriCorps: Not Eligible 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.

Responsibilities

The primary duty involves assisting with the daily care of endangered and threatened aquatic organisms, including feeding, cleaning habitats, and collecting data for the Edwards Aquafer Refugia Program. Additional responsibilities include conducting field collections in rivers and lakes using various netting and trapping methods.