Fish Culturist; DGF

Position: Fish Culturist (DGF #5115)
Location: Questa

$18.15 - $27.23 Hourly

$37,752 - $56,628 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C3

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Our Mission

It is the mission of New Mexico's Game and Fish Department: "To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico using a flexible management system that ensures sustainable use for public food supply, recreation and safety; and to provide for off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes cultural, historic, and resource values while ensuring public safety."

Please visit our website for more information at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Why does the job exist?

The position exists to assist with the production and distribution of coldwater fish species at Red River State Fish Hatchery, and to provide fish for stocking in waters throughout the state. The position is paid to produce rainbow trout and other coldwater fish species and to maintain the Red River Fish Hatchery equipment and facility.

How does it get done?

Daily visual evaluation of production inventories, hatchery rearing units, and facility to assess conditions, cleanliness, and overall fish health to determine a best practice approach to the daily work activities. Report any unusual observations or concerns to the supervisor. Ensure all assigned tasks relative to production, distribution, and maintenance are completed. Participate in daily fish propagation activities and prioritization of daily tasks, to ensure the most efficient use of work time.

Who are the customers?

This position is performed for the public. Its primary function is to provide sustainable use for a food supply and recreational opportunity.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate would have prior experience in a fish hatchery setting, fish health setting, or other agriculture setting involving animal husbandry, ie. aquaculture, ranching, farming or similarly related field. Education of an associate's degree or higher in Biology, Wildlife Science, Animal Husbandry, Natural Sciences or, a combination of education and experience. Skills in mechanics, welding, carpentry, equipment operation, concrete, electrical, plumbing or water delivery systems would be beneficial.

Minimum Qualification

Associate degree in Wildlife Science, or other closely related, applicable field and two (2) years in related experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor setting. Tasks include repeated lifting of weights in excess of 50 pounds, bending, standing, and operating machinery. A minimal amount of office work will include completing reports and various computer skills. Occasionally, overnight travel and working in inclement weather conditions will be necessary. This position will include requirements to obtain a class B Commercial Driver's License with air brake and tanker endorsement, and random drug testing.

This position will also include working a duty shift, including standby. This requires the employee to remain on facility continuously and be on call 24 hours for 7 consecutive scheduled days.

Supplemental Information

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Paul Erker, Assistant Chief of Fisheries - Hatcheries  Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.