Hatchery Biologist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 6, 2026

Salary: $42,900 to $47,000 per year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or closely related aquatic science field

Description

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Hatchery Biologist at Fawn River State Fish Hatchery in Orland, Indiana, paying $42,900 to $47,000 per year with applications due June 6, 2026.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses Indiana’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches quality of life by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Fawn River State Fish Hatchery operates with statewide fish production responsibility, supplying stocked fish that expand fishing opportunities and generate revenue for the State and Division. The Hatchery Biologist provides technical leadership across wild and captive broodstock spawning; warmwater, coolwater, and coldwater production; fish health coordination; and disease testing, and must be capable of operating the hatchery in the absence of the manager or assistant manager.

Responsibilities

• Develop fish production plans for the hatchery.
• Establish pond production and tank culture schedules and feeding programs.
• Complete or review fish feed, fertilizer, and chemical orders.
• Assist with maintenance and repair of hatchery buildings and grounds.
• Monitor for water-quality and fish-disease problems.
• Serve as fish health coordinator and contact for statewide fish disease testing and quality assessment of stocked fish.
• Participate in 24-hour on-call hatchery monitoring.
• Train, instruct, and direct seasonal staff.
• Operate and manage the hatchery in the absence of the hatchery manager or assistant manager.
• Prepare production reports and technical data records for hatchery performance.
• Assist with fish hatchery tours and other hatchery activities as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or closely related aquatic science field from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator License.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize variable workloads and multiple projects.
• Ability to use computers; working knowledge of word processors, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Working knowledge of carpentry, electrical, and plumbing techniques related to hatchery systems.
• Ability to work with weights up to and above 50 pounds and in adverse weather conditions.
• Willingness to work more than 7.5 hours per day and weekend shifts at times.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, 38 hours per week.
• Salary may be commensurate with education or work experience.
• Benefits include three medical plan options, vision, dental, wellness rewards, health savings account with bi-weekly state contribution, 457(b) deferred compensation with employer match, two fully-funded pension options, 150 hours paid New Parent Leave, up to 8 weeks paid Childbirth Recovery Leave, up to 15 hours of paid community service leave, 180 combined hours of paid vacation/personal/sick leave, 12 paid holidays (14 in election years), Education Reimbursement, group life insurance, referral bonus, EAP, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, free parking, and free LinkedIn Learning access.
• The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

Apply through the Indiana state careers portal by June 6, 2026.

For questions, contact Greg DalSanto at gdalsanto@spd.in.gov or (317) 233-3320.