Fish Culture Intern (2 Positions)
Logan Fish Hatchery
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Description
The Fish Culture Intern is a paid position that gives undergraduate students practical experience through a variety of hands-on experiences with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). The successful applicant will work alongside DWR biologists at the Logan Fish Hatchery conducting a variety of tasks that support the goal of creating a fun and successful fishing experience for anglers in Utah. The majority of the work this position is responsible for will be conducted at the Logan Fish Hatchery, but there will be a few opportunities to assist with aquatic-related fieldwork like species surveys, habitat restoration and fish stocking.
Utah’s 13 state fish hatcheries stock almost 10 million fish — ranging in size from tiny fingerlings to 12-inch rainbow trout — at more than 1,000 Utah waterbodies every year. The Logan Fish Hatchery is a multi-species warm and cold water facility that raises a variety of sportfish including: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, walleye and hybrid striped bass. The facility is also responsible for the propagation of native June sucker and green sucker to support recovery of these species.
To learn more about the working at a DWR fish hatchery and being part of #TeamWildife check out the links below.
Top 5 Reasons to Work in Fish Culture
Duties
- Support all phases of fish propagation including spawning, egg care, egg counting and fry care
- Assist in all aspects of egg operations including picking, receiving and disinfection
- Feed approximately 100,000 fish daily
- Ensure troughs, raceways, solid removal zones and other water management structures are clean and functional
- Help conduct necropsies on fish to determine cause of death and/or identify disease issues; includes euthanizing fish, performing internal and external inspection, scoring structures (e.g., fins, gills) and organs based on a numbered system of condition and color
- Collect and record fish growth and mortality related data
- Load fish into stocking trucks for distribution across the state
- Help maintain hatchery equipment, facilities and grounds
- Help identify and repair electrical, plumbing and mechanical system issues
- Lead tours of the hatchery for visitors and school groups
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at USU’s S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (QCANR). Applicants must have a general knowledge of wildlife biology and interest in aquatic science. Preference may be given to students working toward a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management (BS) or Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (BS). Additional preference may be given to applicants who are interested in pursuing a career in fish culture and/or hatchery management.
Successful applicants will be expected to conduct work indoors where the floors are often slippery. They will also be expected to conduct outdoor work in variable weather conditions and terrain. There will be walking, standing, bending, carrying light items and occasional lifting of items that weigh up to 50 pounds.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position, which includes work on weekends and holidays. A typical work week includes five 8-hour days that begin at 7:00 AM.
People and Culture Expectation
The successful applicants will be expected to uphold the DWR’s values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork and cooperation. The behaviors they embrace should set an example of professional and personal respect. The intern will be expected to actively promote a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, as well as make good faith efforts to understand people as unique individuals with diverse life experiences, challenges and opportunities.
Credits/Honors
Successful applicants must enroll in NR 4151 for one (1) credit during the second 7-week session of the Spring 2026 semester, and in NR 4152 during the first 7-week session of the Fall 2026 semester. Additionally, successful applicants may enroll for up to three (3) credit hours during the summer internship. Participants in the Honors Program may enroll for points instead. Students will work with a USU advisor during the internship to develop and complete an academic assignment.
Salary: $18/hour (40 hrs/week)
Location: Logan Fish Hatchery located at 1465 W 200 N in Logan, Utah.
Number of Openings: 2
Closing Date: midnight February 9, 2026
Employment Dates: Flexible; not to exceed 480 hours over 12 weeks between early May and the end of August, 2026.
Housing: Not provided
Apply to the QCNR summer internship program here.
For more information, contact:
Gary Howes, Hatchery Manager
Logan Fish Hatchery |Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
garyhowes@utah.gov
Devin Johansen, Assistant Hatchery Manager
Logan Fish Hatchery |Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
devinjohansen@utah.gov