Biological Aide

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. This job announcement will remain open until the position has been filled. Applications will be periodically reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply and submit their applications as soon as possible.   

The Hagerman National Fish Hatchery (HNFH) is currently seeking a temporary Fisheries Biological Aide to aid in daily operations which include fish husbandry and culture, data management, sample counts, and facility maintenance. This position is approximately a 5-month assignment and will work forty (40) hours a week.  Work schedules may include weekends and holidays. HNFH is located just outside the town of Hagerman, ID and about 35 mins from Twin Falls right along the scenic Snake River. The hatchery is responsible for rearing 1.5 million steelhead. Smolts are raised from eyed eggs received from Sawtooth Fish Hatchery in Stanley, ID and released back into the Salmon River in April. Both hatcheries are funded by the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan. Typical workdays are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

General Information:

This position may stand and work in cold water for up to eight hours per shift; hitch and pull trailers; lift and carry up to 60+ pounds with occasional lifting and carrying up to 100 pounds for short distances; and work in extreme weather conditions. Operate motorized equipment including ATVs, landscaping equipment, and/or UTVs. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Incumbents working at fish hatcheries work with toxic chemicals and around heavy dust, high voltage, loud noises, and slippery surfaces. Dorm-style housing is available for the employee only. No pets.

Position Dates: 

This position is expected to run from January 4, 2027, through May 31, 2027.

Job Description:

• Perform routine fish rearing duties at an anadromous fish hatchery. 
• Weighing fish feed and feeding fish.
• Cleaning tanks, raceways and incubators.
• Removing and enumerating daily fish and egg mortality.
• Maintaining facilities, grounds and equipment.
• Operating power tools, pressure washers and landscaping equipment.
• Operating fish loading and transport equipment, crowding and netting fish.
• Recording biological data, data entry, and maintaining various records and forms.
• Provide hatchery tours.
• Observe fish for abnormal behavior.
• Maintaining a partial reuse aquaculture system.
• Safe chemical use.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Experience following oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures
• Some knowledge of animal husbandry
• Experience operating power tools

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, please see the following:

• (Video) Idaho Fish and Game - We Make It Happen

Thank you for applying with Idaho Department of Fish and Game!