Ways to Get Involved
For several years Ennis National Fish Hatchery has been providing men, women, and students the opportunity to work as a volunteer at a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Hatchery. The volunteers work in all aspects of the hatchery and play an important role in day-to-day operations. College students looking for experience in fisheries, along with adventurous adults have been among those to volunteer at hatchery.
Volunteering
Volunteer stints at the hatchery can last for various amounts of time and begin at several periods throughout the year. However, volunteers are most helpful during the winter months, at which time the spawning season is in full swing. Volunteers workalong side hatchery staff to maintain the facilities and care for the fish. Specific work duties include feeding the fish, cleaning raceways, and constructing egg trays used in egg shipment. However, tasks will vary depending on the season. Much of the work is physically demanding. Volunteers are not paid a salary.
The Ennis National Fish Hatchery volunteer program is an excellent opportunity to experience working in the beautiful Madison Valley. The hatchery is located minutes away from the world-famous Madison River and within an hours drive of Yellowstone National Park.
Education Programs
For several years Ennis National Fish Hatchery has been providing a crew of local high school students the opportunity to work for a summer with the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program at a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility. The students work in all aspects of the hatchery and play an important role in day-to-day operations.
Students between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age may apply for summer employment. Applications may be obtained from Ennis National Fish Hatchery beginning February 1 and ending April 15. The summer-long program generally begins the second week of June and finishes sometime around the second week of August. Participants will earn the current minimum hourly wage and will gain valuable work experience at a federal facility to help build their resume. Work includes feeding fish, spawning fish, keeping up the grounds, and performing facility maintenance. Students are supervised by hatchery staff.
The Ennis National Fish Hatchery summer YCC program is an excellent opportunity for students to experience working in the beautiful Madison Valley. The hatchery is located minutes away from the world famous Madison River and within an hour's drive of Yellowstone Park.