Fish and Wildlife Scientist III

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is seeking applications for a Fish Health Biologist (F&W Scientist III) to work in the Fish Health Laboratory located in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Randolph Center, VT. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated laboratory scientist to advance established methods in fish health testing and conduct research in the fields of fish health and microbiology. The laboratory is responsible for conducting annual fish health inspections on all state-owned and private fish culture stations, as well as investigating fish kills and studying fish disease agents in the natural environment.

Duties for this position involve professional biological work in the field of fish health. Work will be primarily performed in a laboratory setting and will include the collection and processing of fish tissues for disease testing. This position will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the fish health laboratory including conducting all bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in compliance with guidelines set by the Northeast Fish Health Committee, the American Fisheries Society/Fish Health Section (AFS/FHS), and the World Organization of Animal Health. Additional responsibilities involve occasional travel to field collection sites, assisting in public outreach efforts, report writing, budget preparation and administration of the program's budget, coordination of scheduling between programs of operation, supervision and training of seasonal employees, as well as cross-training of Fish Culture Specialists to ensure smooth operations of the Fish Health Laboratory.

Experience working in a laboratory setting, developing and implementing methods and protocols in bacterial, viral, and parasitological assays, and/or experience with quantitative real-time PCR assays is highly desirable.

The primary duty station for this position will be the Vermont Agriculture Environmental Laboratory (VAEL) located in Randolph Center, Vermont. Work requires a high degree of independence and initiative and is performed under the supervision of the Fish Culture Operations Manager.

Employees in this position are expected to obtain and maintain certification as an Aquatic Animal Health Inspector through the AFS/FHS within two years of hire. Additionally, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an aquatic pesticide applicator's license and CPR certification within six months of hire.

This position, Fish and Wildlife Scientist III (Job Requisition #52848), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact dylan.sickles@vermont.gov
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Duties are performed in both an office and a field setting. Field work may require traversing rough terrain and bodies of water in all weather conditions. Duties may require work outside of normal office hours. Attendance is required at a variety of public meetings, hearings, and seminars, where strong adversarial opinions and some hostility may be encountered. Private means of transportation may be required for necessary travel.

Master's degree or higher in biology or a natural resources field.

OR

Bachelor's degree or higher in biology or a natural resources field AND two (2) years or more of experience in a natural resources field.

OR

One (1) year or more as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist II with the State of Vermont.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.