Position Summary
The individual placement is based at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center, with the individual primarily working with the Edwards Aquafer Refugia Program. 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. The reason that we maintain the organisms is in case the springs run dry or there is a chemical spill or other environmental perturbation. If the habitat is compromised, 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.
Location
San Marcos, TX
Schedule
May 18, 2026 - December 11, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- The primary duty is to assist with the daily care of the organisms: feeding, cleaning tanks and field gear and assisting with data collection;
- Additional 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.
- Work closely with threatened and endangered aquatic species across taxonomic groups
- Gain experience with non-traditional animal husbandry
- Gain experience with aquaculture
- Gain experience with field collections in rivers, lakes, and wells/cave openings
- Become familiar with multiple field gears and collection methods
- Become familiar with using lab equipment and scopes
- Gain experience collecting data
Marginal Duties
- The individual will be expected to assist USFWS staff with general station upkeep such as mowing, power washing and picking up trash;
- The individual will have the opportunity to assist with other projects on station.
Required Qualifications
No required skills or education.
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
- Experience using laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, scales, pipets, and forceps is preferred but not required;
- Experience with husbandry and maintaining aquatic species is strongly preferred but not required. Experience building and maintaining aquaculture systems (i.e. fish tanks) is strongly preferred but not required.
- Education in aquatic sciences is preferred but not required.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is not provided
Compensation
Living Allowance: $600/week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving 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.
