Fish Culturist

FISH CULTURIST (WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST I)

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $23.17 - $26.98 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site
Recruiter – Karen Weir | kweir |
Final date to receive applications – 7/29/2026

Do you have a passion for fish and want to contribute to raising a large portion of the fish that fill our beautiful state's waters? If so, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking a Hatchery Specialist who will help propagate fish species and maintain hatchery facility and equipment at the Mantua State Fish Hatchery in Mantua, Utah.

• Ensure that proper feed size and amounts are fed to each lot. Use good culture techniques to minimize waste feed and fish size variability.
• Keep records up to date. Collect and record mortalities daily. Perform end of the month sample counts. Keep egg sheets up to date and accurate.
• Continually observe fish for signs of stress and disease.
• Clean
  - Maintain hatchery cleanliness. All troughs and incubators should be kept clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and the floor should be cleaned and scrubbed when needed and then rinsed with disinfectant. Scrape rearing units at least weekly and prevent the accumulation of waste and other matter that may reduce water quality (small fish must be cleaned daily). Keep work areas clean and tidy to improve work efficiency and reduce hazards.
  
  Keep disinfection vats clean and charged.
• Keep tools disinfected and follow disinfection and bio‑security protocols.
• Keep the shop cleaned up and tools put away.
• Properly dispose of mortalities to reduce risk to other fish.
• Assist with necropsies when necessary.
• Be able to use appropriate software to retrieve information on the station and assist with the end of the month reports.
• Brood and eggs
  - Administer treatments on eggs and fish and use proper calculations for treatments.
• Obtain a non‑commercial pesticide applicators license.
• Assist in spawning operations. This includes knowledge of disinfecting, treating, inventorying, bumping and picking eggs to ensure maximum survivability.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• EITHER:
• A bachelor's degree in Aquaculture, Fish and Wildlife, or a closely related field.
• OR:
  Equivalent directly related work experience years of experience in a similar aquaculture or animal husbandry role.
• Possession of a valid Utah driver's license, or the ability to obtain one upon hire and maintain it throughout employment.
• Basic proficiency in maintenance and construction trades such as electrical, plumbing, heating and air (HVAC), welding, and carpentry.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new skills and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directions accurately and efficiently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Bachelor's degree specifically in Aquaculture.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in cold‑water fish culture.
• Preference will be given to candidates with:
• A bachelor's degree in a natural resources field.
• OR Six (6) years of demonstrated successful full‑time work experience in a wildlife‑related natural resources position.

Location:

555 E Fish Hatchery Rd, Mantua, Utah, 84324, United States

Background Check Required – No

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – B
- Competitive Career Service

Working Conditions – You may encounter risks on this job which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with diseased fish or hazardous chemicals, etc. Employees work in extreme and adverse weather conditions (heat, wind, snow, ice, rain, etc.). Work long hours in hip or chest waders; work in cold water, on slippery surfaces and cramped areas.

Physical Requirements – The job requires physical exertion and requires that you have the ability to stand; walk over rough or slippery surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy items (minimum of 50 lbs.).

Work Schedule – Variable, some weekends

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but…