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DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

FISH CULTURIST

Opening Date: January 21, 2026

Closing Date: End of day February 03, 2026

Location: Enfield

Position Number: 01845-0131

Class Code: 9526

Grade: 18 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $19.02 - $26.48 Per Hour

This is earning potential over the course of nine step increases based on annual performance reviews. New hires typically start at Step 1.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position provides professional service and technical work supporting the operation of one of eight fish culture facilities in the propagation and stocking of various sizes and species of fish to enhance recreational sport fisheries, as well as conserve and restore native fish. The position is responsible for implementing tasks directed by supervisory staff to support all aspects of fish husbandry, fish stocking, and the maintenance, construction, operation, and security of facility infrastructure. The position has a key role in the development and delivery of science-based education programs to increase public awareness, participation in fishing, and support for Division work programs. The position also provides professional and scientific work in assisting fisheries biological staff. The employee must be able to work in diverse physical work environments, often in adverse weather conditions. Some weekend and holiday work is required.

Preference will be given to candidates that successfully demonstrate:

• Experience with and knowledge of specialized techniques used in salmonid culture.
• Ability to successfully maintain facility grounds and buildings, as well as operate and maintain vehicles, and other motorized and specialized fish culture equipment.
• Strong commitment to function as part of a team, complying with strategic plans, policies, and other directives from leadership.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including effective oral and written communication skills.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to be open to new ideas and approaches to support and improve operations.
• Ability to represent the agency professionally through positive interactions, collaborations, and coordinating with external partners, the public, and Agency staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, training, and/or experience in aquaculture, fisheries science, or another closely related field.   

Licensing Requirements: (Prior to attaining permanent status in this class): All employees must possess or be able to obtain a valid Maine Class B Driver’s License.  

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: In addition to the standard Direct Hire Application form, you MUST address each of the following items to be scored properly:

1. Describe your work experience in the aquaculture field pertaining to freshwater finfish propagation.

2. Describe your education and/or training in finfish aquaculture, fisheries or biological sciences.

3. Describe your experience with facilities maintenance projects to include examples of your fluency with any trade skills.

4. Describe how your outdoor interests and experience with fish and wildlife resources align with the mission of the Department.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work.  Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness.  We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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