Fish Culturist - Palermo

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

Opening Date: February 13, 2026

Closing Date: End of day March 02, 2026

Location: Palermo

Position Number:

Class Code: 9526

Grade: 18 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $19.02 - $26.48 Per Hour*

* This is earning potential over the course of nine step increases based on annual performance reviews. New hires typically start at Step 1.

BRIEF

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position provides professional service and technical work supporting the operation of one of eight fish culture facilities in the propagation and stocking of various sizes and species of fish to enhance recreational sport fisheries, as well as conserve and restore native fish. The position is responsible for implementing tasks directed by supervisory staff to support all aspects of fish husbandry, fish stocking, and the maintenance, construction, operation, and security of facility infrastructure.

The position has a key role in the development and delivery of science-based education programs to increase public awareness, participation in fishing, and support for Division work programs. The position also provides professional and scientific work in assisting fisheries biological staff. The employee must be able to work in diverse physical work environments, often in adverse weather conditions. Some weekend and holiday work is required.

Preference will be given to candidates that successfully demonstrate:

• Experience with and knowledge of specialized techniques used in salmonid culture.
• Ability to successfully maintain facility grounds and buildings, as well as operate and maintain vehicles, and other motorized and specialized fish culture equipment.
• Strong commitment to function as part of a team, complying with strategic plans, policies, and other directives from leadership.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including effective oral and written communication skills.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to be open to new ideas and approaches to support and improve operations.
• Ability to represent the agency professionally through positive interactions, collaborations, and coordinating with external partners, the public, and Agency staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, training, and/or experience in aquaculture, fisheries science, biological sciences, or another closely related field.

Licensing Requirements: (Prior to attaining permanent status in this class):
All employees must possess or be able to obtain a valid Maine Class B Driver’s License.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: In addition to the standard Direct Hire Application form, you MUST address each of the following items to be scored properly:

1. Describe your work experience in the aquaculture field pertaining to freshwater finfish propagation.

2. Describe your education and/or training in finfish aquaculture, fisheries or biological sciences.

3. Describe your experience with facilities maintenance projects to include examples of your fluency with any trade skills.

4. Describe how your outdoor interests and experience with fish and wildlife resources align with the mission of the Department.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance
  – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays
  , 12 days of sick leave
  , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage
  – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value),…