Southwest Virginia Freshwater Mussel Recovery Spec

Job Duties

Implements and coordinates freshwater mussel recovery efforts in southwestern Virginia. Enhancement of the Commonwealth’s nongame aquatic wildlife resources through propagation and maintenance of mussels and fishes at the Department’s Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) at the Buller Fish Cultural Station. Assists in prioritizing, designing, and implementing survey and research projects regarding Tennessee River drainage mussels and their host fishes. Oversees augmentation of freshwater mussel communities at selected reaches in Virginia’s Tennessee River drainage. Develops public outreach and educational opportunities to promote Department conservation efforts in southwestern Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable knowledge of habitat requirements, life histories, and ecology of freshwater mussels and their host fishes of southwestern Virginia. Specific experience pertaining to habitat restoration, management, hatchery operations, mussel cultivation, data collection, data analysis, technical report preparation, and publication. Ability to work independently and show initiative in enhancing the effectiveness of the position; to supervise the work of others; to work effectively with the Department’s professional and support staff, staff of other agencies, and with individuals in the public and private sectors; and ability to write, type, organize, and present information with an effective command of the English language. Significant expertise with Windows, Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; and with other computer software applicable to specific tasks assigned (e.g., GIS, ARC, RiverMorph, Acrobat, etc.).

Additional Considerations

Valid Driver’s License. Specialization in freshwater mussel research, cultivation, and restoration is desirable, including professional field and supervisory experience. Membership in groups such as the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society and American Fisheries Society is desirable.