Position Summary 

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and improve national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, hatcheries, marine sanctuaries, significant landmarks, green spaces, and more across the country. The Southeast Region (Region 4) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program proposes to utilize Student Conservation Association AmeriCorps members to support mission-critical hatchery-based fish culture and aquatic species propagation programs. The Service will place individuals at strategic locations throughout the region based on programmatic needs involving hatchery production support. AmeriCorps Members will assist with foundational hatchery fish-culture duties including all aspects of fish husbandry and hatchery operations, feeding fish, monitoring water quality, cleaning tanks and raceways, handling and transferring fish, caring for eggs, and preparing fish for stocking or distribution. The role involves maintaining accurate records of feeding, growth, and mortality, inspecting and servicing equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Additionally, the interns support conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species such as freshwater mussels, turtles, crayfish, and various fish by monitoring health, maintaining enclosures, disinfecting equipment, and assisting with field collection. Responsibilities also include grounds and facility upkeep, such as mowing, trimming, landscaping, and maintaining pathways and buildings to ensure a safe, accessible, and presentable environment for the public. This role will provide direct experience in hands-on hatchery operations, making the intern a vital contributing member of the hatchery staff supporting species propagation, conservation, and restoration.

Location 

Suches, GA

Schedule 

April 6, 2026 - January 9, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Primary duties - Hatchery Operations & Fish-Culture Assist in all aspects of fish husbandry and hatchery operations • Feed fish according to established schedules and monitor feeding behavior. • Monitor water quality by checking and recording temperature, dissolved oxygen, and flow rates • Clean tanks, raceways, and rearing units to maintain hygiene and fish health. • Assist with fish handling, including grading, sorting, and transferring fish between rearing units • Prepare fish for stocking or distribution following hatchery guidelines. • Care for eggs and incubation equipment • Identify and report signs of disease or parasites; assist with treatments under supervision • Maintain accurate records of feeding, water quality, fish growth, and mortality • Help with packing and shipping fish or eggs for distribution • Follow all safety protocols and hatchery compliance guidelines

Marginal Duties 

Assist with care for threatened and endangered species including freshwater mussels, turtles, crayfish, various fish species • Inspect pumps, aerators, heaters, chillers, and filtration systems for proper operation • Clean and maintain tanks, raceways, ponds, and plumbing for all species • Document water quality, feeding schedules, growth measurements, and mortality for all species • Maintain accurate logs for research, permits, and regulatory compliance • Check health and growth of mussels, fish, turtles, mammals, and crayfish • Perform routine cleaning of enclosures, trays, and substrates • Assist with field collection and monitoring as needed • Disinfect equipment and work areas to prevent cross-species disease transmission • Maintain inventory of species-specific supplies (algae, fish feed, turtle diets, crayfish substrates, chemicals) Assist with keeping the facility’s grounds safe and presentable by mowing, trimming, clearing debris, managing vegetation and landscaping, maintaining pathways and buildings, and ensuring equipment is in good working order • Maintain clear and accessible access for staff and visitors, and equipment to ensure safe and optimal movement throughout the facility • Operate and maintain equipment (mowers, trimmers, etc.) to prevent malfunctions and loss of production • Mow and trim grass regularly and maintain landscaping to keep grounds neat and presentable for the public preventing unsafe conditions

Required Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED • Valid Drivers License • Ability to lift and carry more than 50 lbs. • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions • Ability to work safely in aquatic, muddy, and uneven environments • Ability to legally work in the U.S. (part of SCA’s National Direct AmeriCorps program)

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Ability to work effectively in strenuous outdoor and hatchery environments while maintaining attention to detail and safety • Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, environmental science, wildlife, or related field (or equivalent experience) • 1+ year of experience in conservation work, hatchery operations, or fish culture • Experience with fish husbandry, water quality testing, spawning/rearing, or fisheries field sampling

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing accommodations are provided by the hosting site.

Housing will be in a 2,100+ sq ft split level government quarters, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, full kitchen, dining room, living room, all upstairs. Down stairs is split between single car garage and large open room.

Living space may be shared with another SCA-AmeriCorps Member.

WiFi is provided to housing, and laundry facility is on site.

Compensation  

Living Allowance: $600 per week; Relocation travel: $1,100 one time allowance

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Additional Benefits 

AmeriCorps Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.