Position Overview

This position will provide technical assistance in the propagation and distribution of coolwater, coldwater and warmwater fish at the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery.

Job Responsibilities

1. Under general supervision, provides technical assistance in the culture and propagation of coho salmon, steelhead, and brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, striped bass and redear sunfish.

• Provides technical assistance in activities such as feeding, weighing, aging and grading of fish, collecting water samples, monitoring dissolved oxygen and temperatures in rearing units:
• Collects fish population samples for growth rates.
• Daily cares for fish and fish rearing unites, harvesting of fish and preparation of fish.
• Cares for delivery of fish.

2. Operates and maintains specialized equipment such as automatic dish feeders, sand filters, chemical dispersion pumps, water pumps, oxygen and air distribution equipment, and fish delivery vehicles and equipment:

• Assist in the maintenance of grounds and facility.
• Assist in monitoring culture equipment inventory.
• Notifies the Assistant Manager of impending shortages and needs.
• Provides input on material and supplies needed for fish production needs.
• Operates tanker semi for the delivery of fish.

3. Performs inspections related to fish quality, quantity, delivery procedures, sorting procedures, equipment performance, etc. and presents finding to the Assistant Manager.

4. Oversees and collects data for inclusion in technical reports such as water quality, water volumes and flow, parameters, fish weight, and fish growth:

• Applies chemicals for fish disease treatment, fish eradication, and aquatic weed control.

5. Assist with dissemination of information regarding Jake Wolf Hatchery and agency programs, rules, regulations, fisheries and aquatic resource management to the general public, interested individuals and organizations.

• Assist in liaison with county and municipal agencies and organizations to coordinate fish deliveries and stocking.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonable within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of high school.
2. Requires two years experience in fish, wildlife, forestry or natural heritage resource activities.

Preferred Qualifications

1. One (1) year of working knowledge in fish identification, and of the care, feeding and breeding of fish.
2. Two (2) years of working knowledge using pesticide usage in fish, wildlife, forestry and natural heritage activities.
3. One (1) year of elementary knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fish, wildlife, forestry or natural heritage resource conservation.
4. One (1) year of experience following written and oral instructions.
5. One (1) year of experience operating, maintaining and making minor repairs to Natural Resources equipment.
6. Two (2) years of experience understanding the use, application and implication of the use of pesticides, and to handle, store and apply chemicals as per labeling direction.

Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position:

1. Requires possession of a valid Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with air brakes and tanker endorsement. (Please include a copy of your CDL license with your application materials)
2. Requires possession of certification as an Aquatic Pest Control Operator or ability to obtain within the first 6 months of employment.
3. Ability to pass background check.

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

The Office of Resource Conservation strives to conserve the state's wildlife, fisheries, natural lands and forest resources for future generations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all Illinoisans.