Freshwater Mussel Propagation Biologist
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Job Location:
Blacksburg, VA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Job Description
This position provides the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) with research technical expertise related to freshwater mussel conservation and restoration activities throughout Atlantic Slope watersheds but with a primary focus on the South River restoration project. The position is stationed at the VA Fisheries and Aquatic Wildlife Center (VFAWC) at Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery (HLNFH) in Charles City VA.
Responsibilities at VFAWC include tasks such as mussel broodstock collection host fish collection assisting with infestations grow out and tagging of mussels monitoring of released mussels counting juveniles and propagation system construction and maintenance. Since VFAWC is a cooperative facility the position works closely with FWS and DWR biologists. This position will be required to design and implement both laboratory and field research in support of mussel conservation activities. Physical duties include lifting up to 50 lbs. hiking swimming SCUBA boat operation and maintenance working outdoors in challenging environments and various other physical demands related to being a field biologist and working at a hatchery. Work is often conducted under trying conditions.
Work will require independent work and frequent communication and collaboration with other project personnel and the public. Occasional supervision of others in the lab and field is necessary. Periodic overnight travel and work on weekends and holidays is required. Work in excess of 40 hours per week may be required during periods of heavy workloads. Applicant also must be comfortable meeting and working with the public and coordinating with federal and state natural resource agencies and related NGOs. The position also involves office-related tasks such as data entry/management and analysis specimen ID and report writing.
Required Qualifications
Experience in fisheries or wildlife management environmental science or related field with demonstrated experience in conservation aquaculture preferably with freshwater mussels Experience in conservation aquaculture preferably with freshwater mussels
Experience working with freshwater mussels and/or fish propagation
SCUBA certification or ability to obtain
Boater safety or ability to obtain
VA drivers license or ability to obtain
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelors degree in fisheries or wildlife management environmental science or related field with demonstrated experience in conservation aquaculture preferably with freshwater mussels
Prior experience with freshwater mussels other than propagation such as field-related work
Experience leading independent research projects
Experience leading field crews and/or managing aquaculture facilities or labs
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Hours per week
40
Review Date
10/19/25
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees students or applicants on the basis of age color disability sex (including pregnancy) gender gender identity gender expression genetic information ethnicity or national origin political affiliation race religion sexual orientation or military status or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about discuss or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation please contact Jennifer Phillipsat during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- Transfection
- Bioinformatics
- DNA Isolation
- Genetics
- PCR
- R
- Biochemistry
- Next Generation Sequencing
- Cell Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Research Laboratory Experience
About Company
About Johnson & Wales University: Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with campuses in Providence, Rhode Island, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
