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
Application Deadline 7/29/2026

Job Description:
Do you have a passion for fish and want to contribute to raising a large portion of the fish that fill our beautiful states 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.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities and day to day responsibilities of this position:

• 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 and record mortalities 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.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• EITHER:
  • A bachelors 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 drivers 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.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications (Ideal Candidate):

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

About the Role
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 surfaces; bend crouch stoop stretch reach lift heavy items (minimum of 50 lbs.).
Work Schedule - Variable some weekends

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah we believe hard work is important but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation strong work ethics and mutual support.

The Agency
At the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) we believe wildlife is valuable to everyone. This is your opportunity to join a team of dedicated professionals managing and protecting Utahs natural resources. The DWR is committed to your growth providing a variety of opportunities to learn and advance your career within the division.
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife Resources
Utahs Fish Hatcheries

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race color ancestry religion sex national origin sexual orientation age citizenship marital status disability gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations please contact .