Individual Placement - Husbandry Assistant at Uvalde National Fish Hatchery

The internship is based at the Uvalde National Fish Hatchery, with the internship primarily working with the Edwards Aquafer Refugia Program. This specific project is part of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) and serves as a captive assurance population for priority species under the EAHCP. The Refuge is split between two U.S. Fish and Wildlife facilities, the Uvalde National Fish Hatchery and the San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center. Our responsibility is to maintain several species of endangered and threatened organisms that live in the Edwards Aquifer or its associated springs and rivers. We currently house 8 species that include one fish, one plant, several beetles, several salamanders and an amphipod. We maintain the organisms in case the springs run dry or there is a chemical spill or other environmental perturbation we can reintroduce the species once the condition of the habitat improves. We also do research on the organisms related to population genetics, understanding their biology/ecology and improving their husbandry methods.

• 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.

January 4, 2027 - December 31, 2027

• →The internship involves a variety of responsibilities and tasks.
• →The primary duty is to assist with the daily care of the organisms: feeding, cleaning tanks and field gear and assisting with data collection.;
• →Feeding and inventory of captive held species requires the careful handling of living organisms (those listed above and the live feed provided to them).;

• Secondary duties include field collections in rivers and lakes for aquifer dependent threatened and endangered species. Collection methods include dip netting, drift netting, seining, and using minnow traps.;
• Additional collateral duties may include mowing, assisting with reports, plumbing and assisting with other programs and staff member projects.;

Adults 18 or older

The selected intern will need to be able to swim and be conformable in and near water and be able to submerge their face while using a snorkel. The selected intern will need to pass a swim test before permitted to collect priority species in the field.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All individuals must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Individuals 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. Individuals must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Local candidates encouraged to apply, but this is NOT A REQUIREMENT.

40 per week

Housing Provided - Furnished trailer at National Fish Hatchery, includes linens and cookware

The selected intern will need a personal mode of conveyance in order to reach local services (i.e. grocery store, restaurants, and shopping) for personal needs.

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is preferred for this position, but not required.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.