Mussel Propagation and Culture Specialist
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Job no: 531118
Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science, Administrative / Clerical, Research / Scientific, Natural Resources
This position supports a comprehensive research program on conservation and monitoring of freshwater mussels in Virginia and nearby states in the southeast. The candidate will participate in field and laboratory work conducted at the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Center at Virginia Tech. Tasks will include the following: conduct mussel propagation and culture; maintain algae for feeding mussels; maintain fish hosts in captivity; conduct routine plumbing to repair leaks; assist with conducting research on culture methods and monitoring for freshwater mussels; collect fish via electroshocking; collect mussels from various rivers in Virginia and Tennessee; operate and maintain field and lab equipment to monitor water quality; assist with field work to monitor mussels; assist with administering projects and preparation of required reports.
A Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife or related field. The successful candidate must have the ability to collect and identify mussels and fishes; the skills and knowledge to propagate and culture freshwater mussels; ability to assist with implementing experiments; ability to record and enter data; ability to work outdoors year-round; be able to lift more than 50 lbs. and carry equipment for extended periods of time; must have the ability to swim well; frequent overnight travel; periodic weekend work.
Experience with identifying mussels and host fishes in the field; examining gravid condition of mussels; experience conducting infestations of mussel glochidia on host fishes; maintaining host fishes in captivity; maintaining recirculating aquaculture systems; experience working with minimal supervision in field and lab settings; experience in qualitative and quantitative mussel monitoring techniques.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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 Jennifer Phillips at jewolfor@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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