Fish Culture Technician (Hourly)

State of South Carolina; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of South Carolina is seeking a Hatchery Operations Assistant to support Cohen Campbell Fisheries Center's daily fish production, water quality monitoring, and facility maintenance.

You will follow protocols for feeding, inspect culture systems, record data on digital forms, and assist with grounds and equipment upkeep, working outdoors in all weather. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and two years of related experience, or an associate degree.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or associate degree with related wildlife/fisheries experience.
• Experience in wildlife, fisheries or agricultural work preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors daily in all weather conditions and lift heavy objects.

Responsibilities

• Feed fish daily per protocol and observe behavior.
• Disinfect and inspect culture systems, supplies and work areas.
• Measure water quality parameters daily.
• Record data on digital forms and report issues.
• Assist with grounds and equipment maintenance.
• Keep work areas clean and support assigned duties.

Skills

Attention to detail

Outdoor work

Heavy lifting

Reliability

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in technical sciences

Tools

Digital data entry

Hand tools

Vehicle operation

Job description

Job Responsibilities

This employee will be responsible for assisting with hatchery operations, fish production activities, water quality monitoring, facility maintenance, and other routine duties necessary to support operations at the Cohen Campbell Fisheries Center.

Job Duties Will Include

• Feeding fish daily per protocol, and observing fish behavior.
• Disinfecting and inspecting culture systems, supplies and work areas.
• Measuring water quality parameters on a daily basis.
• Recording data on digital forms and reporting issues.
• Assisting with grounds and equipment maintenance.
• Keeping work areas clean and supporting assigned duties.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

A high school diploma and two (2) years of related experience in wildlife, fisheries or agricultural work; or an associate degree in the technical sciences.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of basic fish culture, hatchery operations, water quality monitoring, or general maintenance practices is preferred but not required. Ability to work outdoors daily in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, and cold. Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, follow oral and written instructions, perform detailed work accurately, and work independently with limited supervision. A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and strong attention to detail. Ability to safely use hand tools, equipment, vehicles, and utility vehicles is preferred. Dependable, willing to learn and able to work cooperatively with hatchery staff.

Benefits For State Employees

• The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave.
• Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

• Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits.
• Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

• State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

• State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.