Job Description
Position Summary
Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery is a 444-acre facility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service located in the quiet rural setting of Virginia's historic tidewater plantation country. Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery now plays a key role in the Service's efforts to protect and restore imperiled populations of freshwater mussels and restore migratory fish in Atlantic coastal rivers and their headwaters. This position will support restoration efforts for freshwater mussels and fish by actively participating in the full production cycle, including spawning, juvenile collection, culturing, rearing, tagging, and release, as well as providing animal husbandry in a hatchery setting.
Location
Charles City, VA
Schedule
August 10, 2026 - October 9, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Daily work will be supervised by a project leader and biologist and performed 5 days per week in both lab and field settings; collect freshwater mussels and fish; support the full production cycle including spawning, juvenile collection, culturing, rearing, tagging, and release; provide daily animal husbandry for fish and mussels in a hatchery setting; clean, maintain, and build culture systems; count, measure, and tag mussels; monitor organism health and behavior for signs of illness, stress, or disease; assess environmental conditions such as water temperature, ammonia levels, density, and feeding rates and make real-time adjustments; identify and respond to bacterial or system-related issues; treat fish for disease using approved methods and chemicals; maintain detailed records on care, mortality, size, weight, age, and feeding; monitor and manage water levels and conditions in tanks, systems, and ponds; follow established procedures, safety protocols, and use required protective equipment at all times.
Marginal Duties
Additional opportunities for heavy equipment, fish and mussel collection, boat operation, and vehicle operation may also be available.
Required Qualifications
Valid Driver’s License. Willingness to drive government vehicles. Comfort in operating machinery. Previous experience in maintenance work and handling of mechanical tools. Some experience with carpentry and trail maintenance.
Preferred Qualifications
A background in biology or animal caretaking. The ideal candidate will have a background in both biology and maintenance work and have worked with mechanical tools and equipment at a previous job or internship.
Hours
40 per week
Schedule
M-F, 8am-4:30pm with a possibility of weekend work. Possible long days traveling to and from work sites.
Living Accommodations
No housing provided.
Compensation
Weekly living allowance: $920 / week (pre-tax);One-time travel allowance;*
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
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.