Individual Placement - Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Fisheries Technician at Lower Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office

Position Summary 

This position will be a vital contributing member of the Lower Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office team, participating in field investigations related to species of interest and aquatic habitat assessments. Examples include: Management and control of invasive carps in the greater Mississippi River Basin conducting early detection / rapid response protocols, evaluation of removal and deterrent effectiveness, conducting population estimates and testing gear effectiveness; Monitoring and evaluation of native aquatic species in large rivers and small streams including surveys of species of conservation concern, habitat assessments (e.g., barrier / connectivity assessments) to identify habitat restoration opportunities, and monitoring and assessment related to hatchery propagation and production programs. The successful candidate will work in a variety of different aquatic habitats as part of a team to employ different fisheries sampling techniques and laboratory procedures in contributing to mission critical objectives.

 

Location 

Tupelo, MS

 

Schedule 

January 12, 2026 - November 20, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Field sampling and data processing;

Data entry quality assurance checks;

Fisheries specific tasks (e.g., microscopy, age estimation, etc.);

Preparation and maintenance of equipment and gear such as disinfection following field activities and gear repair (net mending, etc.).

 

Marginal Duties 

Detailed reporting;

Effective communication;

Office maintenance including digitization and archival of administrative records;

Making administrative copies;

Detailing and fueling of vehicles and vessels;

General office upkeep;

Reporting and communication with office staff and external partners.

 

Required Qualifications 

High school diploma or General Educational Development; Valid driver's license; Able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.; Work in environments that are often unlevel and unsteady.

 

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 

Associate's or Bachelor's degree; Preferred experience of 1+ year assisting or conducting aquatic species and habitat sampling, data entry and quality assurance, and working in strenuous conditions.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Member will commute daily from home location.

 

Compensation  

Living allowance - $600/week; Duty-related travel and other reimbursable expenses; Roundtrip Travel allowance - $1100 - one time; Housing allowance - $1200 - monthly

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

 

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.