Freshwater Mussel Propagation Biologist

Virginia Tech • Full-time • Blacksburg, Virginia, United States • USD $37.82k - USD $58.72k / year • 3d ago

Job no: 534487
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Natural Resources

Job Description

This position provides the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) with research technical expertise related to freshwater mussel conservation and restoration activities throughout Atlantic Slope watersheds, but with a primary focus on the South River restoration project. The position is stationed at the VA Fisheries and Aquatic Wildlife Center (VFAWC) at Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery (HLNFH) in Charles City, VA.
Responsibilities at VFAWC include tasks such as mussel broodstock collection, host fish collection, assisting with infestations, grow out and tagging of mussels, monitoring of released mussels, counting juveniles, and propagation system construction and maintenance. Since VFAWC is a cooperative facility, the position works closely with FWS and DWR biologists. This position will be required to design and implement both laboratory and field research in support of mussel conservation activities. Physical duties include lifting up to 50 lbs., hiking, swimming, SCUBA, boat operation and maintenance, working outdoors in challenging environments, and various other physical demands related to being a field biologist and working at a hatchery. Work is often conducted under trying conditions.
Work will require independent work, and frequent communication and collaboration with other project personnel and the public. Occasional supervision of others in the lab and field is necessary. Periodic overnight travel and work on weekends and holidays is required. Work in excess of 40 hours per week may be required during periods of heavy workloads. Applicant also must be comfortable meeting and working with the public, and coordinating with federal and state natural resource agencies and related NGOs. The position also involves office-related tasks such as data entry/management and analysis, specimen ID, and report writing.

Required Qualifications

Experience in fisheries or wildlife management, environmental science or related field with demonstrated experience in conservation aquaculture preferably with freshwater mussels Experience in conservation aquaculture preferably with freshwater mussels
Experience working with freshwater mussels and/or fish propagation
SCUBA certification or ability to obtain
Boater safety or ability to obtain
VA driver’s license or ability to obtain

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in fisheries or wildlife management, environmental science or related field with demonstrated experience in conservation aquaculture preferably with freshwater mussels
Prior experience with freshwater mussels other than propagation, such as field-related work
Experience leading independent research projects
Experience leading field crews and/or managing aquaculture facilities or labs

Pay Band

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Hours per week

Review Date

10/19/25

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Scott Klopfer at sklopfer@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: October 10, 2025
Applications close:

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