Position Title: Fish Culturist

Reports To: Hatchery Manager

Supervises: Student Interns, volunteers

Position Classification: Seasonal / 6 month term (November 2025-May 2026)

Salary: $40.00/hr.

Summary:

Help recover critically-endangered Central Coast coho salmon and threatened steelhead! Under the direction of the MBSTP Hatchery Manager, the Fish Culturist assists with the operation of Kingfisher Flat Conservation Hatchery (KFH) and its associated rearing facilities and programs. The primary directive of the Fish Culturist position is to support MBSTP’s captive rearing programs by maximizing sound fish husbandry practices while ensuring the safety of partner-agency personnel, interns, and volunteers.

Essential Functions:

· Complete lifecycle husbandry activities of coho and steelhead. Monitor development of eggs and fry.

· Recognition and treatment of fish pathogens, administration of therapeutics

· Monitoring and recording of water quality, fish growth, and recording of feed & mortalities

· Assist in implementation of feeding schedules and prepping feed and vitamins

· Fish tagging/marking (CWT, disc) of broodstock and release cohorts.

· Assists with fish distributions, rescues, releases and transports.

· Cleans indoor and outdoor rearing tanks.

· Coordinates the KFH Volunteer Program, trains volunteers in fish rearing practices, safe use of hatchery equipment and emergency/safety procedures.

· Assists Hatchery Manager with evaluating work performance of and, when necessary, counseling volunteers and student interns.

· Assists with conducting hatchery tours and answering questions.

· Ensures compliance with Big Creek Timber land use agreement; MBSTP Safety Program, federal and state OSHA protocols and requirements.

· Assists and performs minor repairs and maintains hatchery buildings, equipment and grounds.

· Assists the Hatchery Manager in preparation of reports to MBSTP Board of Directors, may be requested to attend semi-annual Board meetings.

· Maintains hatchery data and assists with preparation of reports to partner agencies (NOAA Fisheries and CDFW)

· Attendance may be requested for meetings with partner agencies (NOAA & CDFW)

Working Conditions:

· Working indoors & primarily outdoors at Kingfisher Flat Hatchery facility.

· Exposure to inclement weather- cold, rain, wind, post-fire scar conditions and natural disasters.

· Isolated worksite with limited internet/cell connectivity.

· If on-site housing is available, occupancy may be required; otherwise residency within an emergency response time no greater than 30 minutes is required.

· Physical labor requirements include prolonged standing, walking on sometimes slick or uneven surfaces and structures, prolonged immersion in cold water, lifting objects up to 50 pounds.

· Operation of MSBTP-owned 4WD vehicles and ATV.

· Use of powered equipment, hand and shop tools, and construction materials.

· Familiarity and use of digital and electronic devices and office equipment; computers, all-in-one printers, cell/smart phones, digital photography, etc.

· Handling and exposure to chemical agents, solvents, gasoline, and typical aquaculture chemicals & disinfectants, and use and familiarity with material safety data sheets (MSD’s)

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

· Hands-on experience in the field of fish culture (experience with salmonids preferred)

· Familiarity with fish diseases, pathogens, treatments and preventative measures.

· Familiarity with basic scientific principles and laboratory techniques, ability to analyze and resolve fish rearing/health issues.

· Attention to detail with initiative and ability to carry out duties on occasion with little or no supervision.

· Ability to safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous materials.

· Familiarity with NOAA NMFS & CDFW agency policies, organization, and regulations.

· Ability to recognize and correct safety hazards, and successfully respond to emergency situations.

· Ability to coordinate, train, occasionally supervise, and direct volunteers and agency personnel in a professional and courteous manner.

· Knowledge of plumbing, water filtration, water pump care and maintenance, water conveyance/diversion.

· Knowledge of electrical and small engine equipment maintenance and techniques.

· Experience with use of Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point(?)

· Good oral and written communication.

· Some supervisory and training/experience is a plus

· Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquaculture, or equivalent field from an accredited university, and some fish culture experience (A combination of education & experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed may be substituted for a college degree, upon approval by the MBSTP Board of Directors)

· Experience working at a hatchery or aquaculture facility (volunteer work and temporary employment will be considered)

· Experience working with state and federally-listed species (threatened/endangered) is a plus.

· Possession and continued maintenance of a valid state Driver’s License, with proof of a safe driving record.

How to Apply:

· Please send a resume, cover letter, and two professional references to: Director@mbstp.org. Please include the words “Application for FC position” in the subject line of the email.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan

Ability to Commute:

Davenport, CA 95017 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Davenport, CA 95017: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project

Latest Jobs

Fish Culturist