Resource Biologist

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 30535
Agency: Game, Fish, and Parks
Location:Waubay, SDSalary: $22.69-$28.36 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 02/28/2025

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/ .

This position is located at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery in Waubay, South Dakota. This facility produces multiple species of cold, cool, and warmwater fish. Culture techniques include extensive production in lined and earthen ponds as well as intensive production in both flow-through and recirculating aquaculture systems.

The successful candidate will support hatchery programs by assisting with all phases of fish culture required for the production of requested species including but not limited to: spawning, egg incubation, feeding, tank cleaning, manipulating, monitoring, and evaluating intensive and extensive culture systems; fish harvest, stocking the sizes, numbers, and species requested while following HACCP protocols; identification, diagnosis, and treatment of fish diseases and parasites; and chemical treatments for control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.

The incumbent will support hatchery related research and experimentation by aiding in developing and investigating new and innovative approaches to increase production capabilities and efficiencies; collecting scientific data; performing statistical analyses to validate findings; and assimilating, interpreting, and preparing operational data in reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

The Resource Biologist will assist in: designing, modifying, and fabricating fish culture equipment to meet specific, specialized needs; maintaining equipment and inventory of critical supplies to ensure minimal downtime and loss of production; maintaining facilities including general upkeep and minor repairs of the buildings; grounds maintenance including mowing, herbicide application, tree cutting and trimming, road leveling, and snow plowing; and maintenance of equipment by performing or scheduling preventative service and small repairs to vehicles, tractor's, UTV's, skid steer, mowers, and stocking equipment.

Administrative duties with this position will include preparing and submitting Department reports such as purchasing and travel vouchers, monthly vehicle reporting, contracts, and time forms.

This position works around hazardous mechanical and electrical equipment with high intensity noises; is exposed to allergenic and irritating substances and chemicals; works in all weather conditions, indoors and outdoors, in wet, cold, and slippery surfaces; repeated lifting of 40-60 lbs.; inspects and maintains equipment in confined and difficult spaces; and drives heavily loaded vehicles for long distances.

Non-standard work schedules are required at certain times of the year, including nights and weekends, as is travel within and outside the state and occasional overnight stays.

Rotating on-call responsibilities apply to this position, being able to respond to alarm calls within 20 minutes.

As a condition of employment, hatchery housing will be available and encouraged, but not required.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid South Dakota Driver's License

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in wildlife and/or fisheries sciences or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in fish culture using ponds, flow-through systems, and recirculating aquaculture systems.
• Experience rearing a variety of fish species.
• A strong background in facility, grounds, and equipment maintenance.
• A strong work ethic, who is self-motivated, and goal oriented.
• Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills.

Knowledge of:

• fish rearing principles and techniques using ponds, flow-through systems, and recirculating aquaculture systems;
• fish disease identification, diagnosis, and treatment methods;
• water chemistry, as it relates to aquaculture;
• extensive knowledge of hatchery infrastructure, how it operates, and the equipment that runs it;
• state and department policies and procedures, especially as it relates to purchasing and account coding;
• plants, animals, and organisms as it relates to aquatic environments;
• research, laboratory, and statistical methods as they relate to aquaculture.

Skill to:

• design, modify, and fabricate fish culture equipment to meet specific, specialized needs;
• maintain and repair aquaculture and stocking equipment, such as pumps, plumbing, and laboratory equipment;
• properly use laboratory and data gathering equipment and analyze those readings as it relates to fish culture;
• operate work equipment and machinery to avoid injury to oneself or others or damage to the equipment or property;
• troubleshoot, repair, and maintain facility, grounds, and equipment.

Ability to:

• clearly and concisely communicate both verbally and in writing;
• maintain high ethical standards;
• develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and the public;
• be vigilant and promptly evaluate situations and proficiently remedy issues to prevent fish loss under pressure;
• stay organized and maintain records;
• read and comprehend technical material;
• represent the hatchery and Department by disseminating information through tours, interactions with sportsmen, and various forms of media;
• be team-oriented;
• serve as a lead worker, assigning, training, and overseeing seasonals, interns, and volunteers;
• pursue professional development through literature review, formal trainings, serving on committees, workshops, meetings, and social networking with other fish culture professionals.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=16J
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

#LI-Onsite