Individual Placement - Edwards Aquifer Research

Position Summary 

The individual placement is based at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center, with the individual primarily working with the Edwards Aquifer Refugia Program. Our responsibility is to maintain several species of endangered and threatened organisms that live in the Edwards Aquifer or its associated springs and rivers. We currently house 8 species that include one fish, one plant, several beetles, several salamanders and an amphipod. The reason that we maintain the organisms is in case the springs run dry or there is a chemical spill or other environmental perturbation. If the habitat is compromised, we can reintroduce the species once the condition of the habitat improves. We also do research on the organisms related to population genetics, understanding their biology/ecology and improving their husbandry methods.

Hosting Organization

San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center: Edwards Aquifer Research Individual Placement

Location 

San Marcos, TX

Schedule 

November 2, 2026 - May 8, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Carry out thermal tolerance testing to determine minimum and maximum temperatures for Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan covered species;

• Carry out thermal tolerance testing to determine preferred temperatures for Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan covered species;

• Maintain the Thermal Biological Assessment Devise on station;

• Provide husbandry and care for Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan covered species and any surrogate species;

• Collect data and write summary reports on thermal tolerance testing outcomes.

Marginal Duties 

• The individual will be expected to assist USFWS staff with general station upkeep such as mowing, power washing and picking up trash

• The individual will have the opportunity to assist with other projects on station

Required Qualifications 

• The member must have experience with Thermal Biological Assessment Devises.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience using laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, scales, pipets, and forceps is preferred but not required;

• Experience with husbandry and maintaining aquatic species is strongly preferred but not required. Experience building and maintaining aquaculture systems (i.e. fish tanks) is strongly preferred but not required.

• Education in aquatic sciences is preferred but not required.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is not provided.

Compensation  

Living Allowance: $765/week;

Housing Allowance: $1,000/month (7 month);

Health Insurance

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.  

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training
Health Insurance

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.