Seasonal Hatchery Biological Technician
Seasonal Hatchery Biological Technician
Location: Hotchkiss, Colorado and Leadville, ColoradoJob Type: Job (Full-Time, Onsite, Seasonal/Temporary)
About the RoleWe're looking for a Seasonal Hatchery Biological Technician to support daily fish hatchery operations at our facilities in Hotchkiss and Leadville, Colorado. This is hands-on work — you'll be in the water, in the fish house, and in the field, helping keep operations running and fish healthy from arrival through release.
What you'll do- Carry out daily hatchery tasks: feeding, grading, sorting, and monitoring fish health and behavior across raceways and tanks- Collect water quality data (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, flow rates) and make adjustments to maintain optimal conditions- Assist with spawning operations, egg incubation, and fry management during peak season- Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning — raceways, filters, aerators, and related systems- Record biological data accurately and enter it into facility databases- Help with disease treatment protocols under the direction of senior hatchery staff- Support fish transport and stocking operations in the field as needed- Follow all biosecurity and safety protocols
About you- Some coursework or experience in fisheries, biology, aquatic science, or a related field- Comfortable working outdoors in variable Colorado weather and in wet, physical environments- Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods- Attention to detail when recording data and monitoring fish- Willing to work weekends and irregular hours during peak operations- Valid driver's license required
Nice to have- Prior hatchery, aquaculture, or fisheries field experience- Familiarity with common hatchery pathogens and disease treatments- Experience with electrofishing, seining, or other fish sampling methods
What we offer- Competitive seasonal hourly wage- Hands-on experience in state or federal fish hatchery operations- A chance to contribute directly to fisheries conservation and restoration efforts in Colorado