Animal Care Technician III

Job Duties

The Animal Care Technician III works under the supervision and guidance of the UWSP Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, Facility Operations Manager in Bayfield. The position serves as a staff member in all aspects involving the culture of fish and assists with performing activities defined in grant-funded research projects. This position will coordinate project activities with USTES, volunteers, and interns at the facility. The position will perform general maintenance functions on equipment and building and grounds maintenance.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Observes animal behavior, performs animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate entities to contribute to the health and well-being of animals in support of research and instruction
• Maintains organization of and updates records related to work unit procedures
• Inspects, maintains, and initiates complex repairs to equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation
• Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications
• Tracks inventory levels of animal supplies and places replenishment orders
• Cleans and maintains organization of animal holding spaces
• Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic and research
• Leads the day-to-day operational activities of an animal care work unit and facilitates staff training as needed

Department

The Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (NADF) housed in the College of Letters & Science at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point promotes public education and advances the discovery, dissemination and application of knowledge for sustainable aquaculture in a northern climate. It is a one-of-a-kind facility in the Midwest and joins only a handful in the U.S. The state-of-the-art, dynamic facility showcases new advances in aquaculture system technology such as sustainable land-based recirculating aquaculture, while also providing traditional aquaculture systems such as flow-through raceways and outdoor ponds for industry-based research.

Compensation

Compensation: $41,600 annually ($20 per hour)

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2-years’ experience with aquaculture related systems and processes, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and related equipment such as sand biofilters, floating bed biofiltration, drum filters, Hach monitoring equipment, and YSI monitoring equipment.
• An understanding of the culture of Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, walleye, yellow perch, or other freshwater species.
• Skills in basic aquaculture facility and equipment maintenance such as small engine repair, net mending, carpentry, PVC piping, lawn care, power tool operation, tractor operation, etc.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and ability to meet standards set to drive state vehicles.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Possesses skills required for carrying out tasks related to research project completion including database management, foundational statistics knowledge, and scientific writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• SCADA, water quality monitoring experience, statistical methods and programs (e.g. R), manuscript preparation.

Education

Bachelor or Master’s degree, from an accredited institution, in aquaculture, fisheries biology, freshwater science, hatchery management or related water-science field, is preferred.

How To Apply

To ensure consideration: Applications received by 9/23/2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Tyler Firkus, Facility Operations Manager
Email: tyfirkus@uwsp.edu
Phone: 715-346-2606

Special Notes

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit http://EverythingPointsHere.com.

EEO Statement

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.