Fish Culturist 2026-02311

State of Wyoming; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA andhol

Retirement - Pension and 457B

Flexible schedules

Meaningful work

Job summary

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking an entry-level Fish Culturist to support fish production and hatchery operations that contribute to Wyoming’s sport fishing opportunities and native fisheries restoration programs.

This position is responsible for the care, propagation, and rearing of fish at all life stages within a state fish hatchery. Duties also include maintaining hatchery facilities and grounds to ensure safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of proper fish culture techniques in spawning, egg handling, fish rearing, stocking, and brood stock management.
• Knowledge of fish biology, physiology, and water chemistry parameters.
• Familiarity with state statutes, department regulations, and fiscal procedures.

Responsibilities

• Produce fish for sport fishing programs and native fish restoration.
• Care for eggs, feed and thinning of fish, clean rearing facilities, distribute fish to stations or stocking sites, assist spawning operations.
• Utilize and improve fish culture techniques to spawn, propagate, and distribute quality fish.
• Operate various sized fish distribution units.
• Assist in facility and equipment maintenance and upkeep.
• Daily facility maintenance including buildings, grounds, and rearing units.
• Keep accurate daily records and assist in planning and reports.

Skills

Fish culture knowledge

Biology knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Fish or Wildlife Biology

Tools

CDL (Class B)

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking an entry-level Fish Culturist to support fish production and hatchery operations that contribute to Wyoming’s sport fishing opportunities and native fisheries restoration programs.

This position is responsible for the care, propagation, and rearing of fish at all life stages within a state fish hatchery. Duties also include maintaining hatchery facilities, equipment, rearing units, station housing, and surrounding grounds to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, dependable, and interested in fisheries management, aquaculture, and conservation. This role offers hands‑on experience in fish culture and hatchery operations while supporting statewide fisheries programs.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance


• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA and holidays


• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future


• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options


• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Responsible for producing fish for sport fishing programs and native fish restoration.


• Fish egg care and shipment, feeding and thinning fish, cleaning fish rearing facilities, fish distribution to other fish culture stations or stocking sites, and assisting in captive and wild spawning operations outside of the facility.


• Utilize and improve fish culture techniques to spawn, propagate, and distribute quality fish to meet statewide needs.


• Operate various sized fish distribution units.


• Assist in facility and equipment maintenance and upkeep.


• Participates in daily facility maintenance, including buildings, grounds, and rearing units.


• Keep accurate daily records, prepare monthly reports, and assist in station planning as delegated.


• Assists in the calculation and application of chemicals for bio-security management, fish disease prevention, and treatment.


• Maintain good public relations not only concerning fish but on a variety of department-wide topics.


• Conducts tours and interacts with the public, both on and off the assigned workstation.


• Assists other Game and Fish work units, which may require travel and staying away from home overnight.


• Attend meetings, seminars, and various training to keep up with department and fish culture issues and technology.


• Keep abreast of Department and State policies and procedures.


• Supervises a limited-time contract position occasionally.

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Preference may be given to those with a bachelor's degree in wildlife management, range management, biology, zoology, or ichthyology.

Preference may be given to those with one year of professional work experience in fish culture or a related field in fisheries.

For positions at Clark’s Fork and Speas Hatcheries, the agency requires that the successful candidate have a valid driver's license and must obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within six months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of proper fish culture techniques in spawning, egg handling, fish rearing, fish stocking and brood stock management.


• Knowledge of fish biology, fish physiology, and water chemistry parameters.


• Knowledge of State statutes, Department regulations and policies, and fiscal procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (typically in Fish or Wildlife Biology)

Experience:

0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Fish or Wildlife Biology)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Required to have a valid driver's license.

OR

Education & ExperienceSubstitution:

3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Fish or Wildlife Biology)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Required to have a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work in cold and wet conditions in and around water.


• Ability to lift fifty pounds.


• A CDL is required only for positions located at Clark’s Fork and Speas Hatcheries. Once a CDL is obtained, the Department of Transportation medical exam is required to be maintained for employment.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt


• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.


• This is a statewide hatchery vacancy and other work locations may become available across the state. If you are interested to know where the most current vacancy is located please contact: Fish Culture Supervisor-Guy Campbell at 307-554-0787 or [e-mail].


• Housing may be provided for this position. If housing is available, it will be at no cost to the employee.

040-Game & Fish-Fish Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.