About this role
Service Dates: 5/18/2026 - 11/7/2026 = 26 weeks
Location: Burnet, Texas
Position Summary
This position will assist with the culture of channel catfish for Federal Tribal trust obligations. Duties include spawning and egg collection, egg and sac fry care, feeding and care of juvenile through broodstock channel catfish, and harvest and shipment. Another major duty will be the culture of Central Texas freshwater mussels using in-viva and in-vitro methods, care and feeding of juveniles, and assisting with research efforts. Candidates will also attend to facility and grounds maintenance, assisting with the production of the Federally endangered Clear Creek Gambusia, on-station public outreach, and other duties as assigned. 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 aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. 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. This program meets M-F 7:00 to 3:30, 40 per week, schedule subject to change under management's discretion.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include spawning and egg collection, egg and sac fry care, feeding and care of juvenile through broodstock channel catfish, and harvest and shipment. - Duties will be performed under the direction of the Lead Fish Biologist or Assistant Project Leader (50% of time). Another major duty will be the culture of Central Texas freshwater mussels using in-viva and in-vitro methods, care and feeding of juveniles, and assisting with research efforts. - Duties will be performed under the direction of the Malacologist (30% of time).
Marginal Duties
The remaining 20% of the candidate's time will be spent on facility and grounds maintenance, assisting with the production of the Federally endangered Clear Creek Gambusia, on-station public outreach, and other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications
Experience or course work in a biological field preferred .
Age
Adults 18 or older
Compensation
Living allowance: $600 per week;
One-time $1,100 relocation travel allowance.
Living Accommodations
Housing provided on-site. Under management's discretion and availability, housing will be either 1) Hatchery quarters (ie house), 2) park model (mobile home, ie tiny home), or 3) RV. Any unit provided will include basic furnishings, cookware, and basic linens. All utilities are provided including "okay" wifi (~20 mb download speed).
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
AMERICORPS: NOT ELIGIBLE
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.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- The position involves assisting with the culture of channel catfish and Central Texas freshwater mussels, including spawning, egg collection, and juvenile care. Additional duties include facility maintenance and public outreach.
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