5308 Spring Street
Warm Springs, GA 31830
United States
Contact Chad Shirey
About Chad Shirey
Meet Chad Shirey, Facilities Operation Master Mind!
Chad is a facility operations specialist at Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery.
What is your area of specialty or expertise?
Operating heavy equipment.
What does conservation mean to you?
To preserve all habitat and their species for future generations.
How would you describe your conservation work to someone you just met?
As part of the fish habitat restoration team, I tell people how our work on things like dam removal and bottomless culvert installations plays a vital role in reestablishing aquatic species in their native ranges.
How important are facilities careers to conservation work?
They're extremely important. We keep facilities and the systems running so that conservation work can continue smoothly. Our fish habitat work is crucial to species preservation, especially migratory fish and mussels.
Do you have a memorable moment on the job?
The Green River Dam removal in Kentucky was one of our biggest jobs to date. It opened up 8 new miles of caves to Mammoth Caves National Park!
Most enjoyable aspect of your work.
The comradery of fellow coworkers and meeting new people on the job.
What led to your career choice?
My career was really influenced by my dad and the way we were brought up. I stayed outside as a kid helping my dad work on everything from treehouses, to go-carts, to tractors. When I wasn’t working on or building something, I spent as much time in the woods or on the Flint river as possible hunting and fishing. I always knew I wanted to work outdoors and build or repair broken things, so this job position was a no brainer for me.
What is your favorite aquatic species?
Lake Sturgeon.
Where did you go to school?
Manchester High School / United States Army
To find available facilities management positions, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “1640” and filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” Details about education and experience requirements as well as specific requirements are detailed in individual job listings.