Hatchery Operations Intern

with Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Leadville, CO

Service Dates: April 16, 2026 – November 30, 2026

Average Hours per Week: 40 

Days/Hours of Service: 7:00-3:30, 5 days / week 

Minimum # of Hours to Complete Term: 1200 hr term minimum (900 hr term from April 16, 2026-Sept 30, 2026 + 300 hr term from October 1, 2026- November 30, 2026)

About Blue Elements Watershed Stewards: Blue Elements Watershed Stewards are committed to increasing community resilience in the face of changing water conditions by supporting sustainable access to one of Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. AmeriCorps members will support organizations serving the water education and monitoring sectors in the Arkansas River Valley and beyond. Members may provide water education to youth and adults, complete watershed management projects, and support water quality monitoring projects.

About the Leadville National Fish Hatchery: Leadville National Fish Hatchery was created by Executive Order of President Benjamin Harrison for the purpose of increasing the supply of fish for inland waters. The hatchery grounds occupy 3,072 acres near the city of Leadville, Colorado, at an elevation of 10,000 feet. The hatchery’s subalpine forest surroundings, with its cold, clean water supply provide the ideal location for trout production. Originally, the hatchery produced trout that were distributed over the entire Rocky Mountain region. Waters which originally held only native cutthroat trout, or none at all, were stocked with additional trout. The Black Hills area and parts of Wyoming that held no native trout were first stocked from this hatchery. 

About the Position: The Hatchery Operations Internship at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery offers a hands-on opportunity to gain real-world experience in fish hatchery operations and aquatic resource management. This position provides valuable training in fish care, facility maintenance, biological data collection, and public education. Interns will actively participate in feeding and rearing fish, monitoring water quality, maintaining biosecurity protocols, and assisting with fish stocking efforts that enhance both recreational angling and native species recovery. Additionally, the intern will engage with visitors, including youth, to promote awareness of Colorado’s fisheries and conservation efforts. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about fisheries science, environmental stewardship, and hands-on conservation work.  The intern may also have the opportunity to assist at Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery in Hotchkiss, CO for certain periods during the term.

Primary Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Spawning and Incubation activities for Greenback Cutthroat Trout 
• Feeding Fish 
• Cleaning Rearing Containers 
• Biological Data Collection 
• Egg Care and Treatment 
• Light Construction 
• Plumbing 
• Grounds Maintenance 
• Trails Maintenance and Upkeep 
• Waterflow and Chemistry Management 
• Support transport and release of fish for recreational opportunities. 
• Interacting with and educating the general public visiting the fish hatchery, which may include youth. 
• Support Youth Education programs in partnerships with local youth organizations visiting the fish hatchery. 
• Support maintaining biosecurity for threatened and endangered species 

Trainings Provided:

• First Aid/CPR
• Leave No Trace
• River Watch Water Quality Monitoring
• Experiential Education 
• Volunteer & Stewardship Project Coordination 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Pursuing or Completed a Degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Marine Biology, or a related natural resources field 
• Basic understanding of fish biology, aquatic ecosystems, and the principles of fish care and breeding 
• Comfortable engaging adults and youth giving tours of the fish hatchery
• Strong professional communication skills 
• Must be willing and able to carry at least 50 pounds. 
• Must be willing and able to serve occasionally in extreme weather conditions. 
• Must be willing and able to serve occasional weekends. 
• Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.
• Basic computer skills 

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications: 

• At least 17 years old at start of service 
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. 
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States 
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202

Physical Demands and Service Environment: This position is based at 2846 CO-300, Leadville, CO 80461. The position will involve frequent days of service outdoors, which may involve inclement weather and temperatures ranging from below zero to 80 degrees. Leadville is at high elevation, and service will be located above 10,000’.  Service may involve frequently working with children and community members. 

Watershed Stewards AmeriCorps Program Benefits: 

• Living Allowance- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $14,400.00 ($10,800 for 900 hr term + $3,600 for 300 hr term) paid out bi-monthly at $960.00 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Housing Stipend- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $4,500 paid out bi-monthly at $300.00 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the housing stipend is distributed by direct deposit to the member.  Dorm style housing is available at both Leadville NFH and Hotchkiss NFH.
• Education Award / Tuition Assistance- AmeriCorps member(s) can receive an Education Award upon successful completion of service in the amount of $5,262.58 ($3,697.50 for 900 hr term + $1,565.09 for 300 hr term.) This can be used to pay back student loans or further your education.
• All members receive professional development and training. Mileage reimbursement is paid for travel to required trainings.
• All members may be eligible for the Federal Assistance Program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.) 
• All members may qualify for student loan forbearance while in service. 
• Alumni benefits may include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers 

of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt. 

Blue Elements Watershed Stewards is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, sex, origin, and ability to apply. Our service culture embraces—and is strengthened by—the unique perspectives, contributions and experiences of all our members.