Individual Placement- Fisheries at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery

Position Summary 

Member will learn the essential skills of spawning, egg enumeration and egg care for endangered Atlantic salmon from seven populations and the basics of maintaining a modern conservation hatchery. Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery is the premier Atlantic salmon hatchery operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The opportunities to learn about Atlantic salmon, conservation efforts and cold-water fish culture are unparalleled.

 

Hosting Organization

Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery

 

Location 

East Orland, ME

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

 

Schedule 

October 26, 2026 - February 19, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• 70%: Primary duties, performed throughout the individual placement period, will include sorting and spawning endangered Atlantic salmon broodstock. This includes humane handling of endangered species, anesthetic application, use of disinfectants, and computer-guided spawning software. Member will assist with the release of post-spawn broodstock to the rivers of Maine. In addition, Member will learn how to process and enumerate Atlantic salmon eggs for distribution to other hatcheries or for in-house rearing to the fry stage.

• 10%: Secondary duties will include feeding juvenile future broodstock and learning to calculate feed rates, monitoring growth of future broodstock, conducting routine biological sampling, maintaining automated feeders and hand feed containers.

• 10%: Tertiary duties will include regular cleaning of broodstock rearing areas, general maintenance as required including snow removal

 

Marginal Duties 

• 10%: Member may assist Green Lake National Fish Hatchery with spawning activities and will collaborate with with other FWS, NPS, and State of Maine agencies during spawning and egg season.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Course work: biology, ecology, fisheries science, aquaculture and related subjects

• Some experience in fisheries or aquaculture is strongly preferred

 

Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Valid U.S. Driver’s License

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• A strong interest in fisheries management, hatchery operation or aquaculture • Ability to work collaboratively within a team of peers as well as on independent projects • Willingness to work in challenging environmental conditions such as cold, uneven/slippery walking surfaces, and working in and around water [plan on getting wet a lot!]

 

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. 
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program. 
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others. 
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time. 
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others. 
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions. 
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.

 

Working Conditions

• Work settings may be located in natural environments