Roderick May

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Meet Roderick May!

Roderick is the Hatchery Manager at Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Neosho, Missouri. 

How would you describe your conservation work to someone you just met?

I propagate and stock fish into different aquatic environments. Some of the species I work with are endangered species and are some of the rarest fish in the world.

Most enjoyable aspect of your work.

Working with left over dinosaurs and keeping them from going extinct. Teaching and interacting with the public.

What does conservation mean to you?

I grew up with fishing and hunting just being a way of life. I was taught conservation practices as a child and didn’t even know it. So now, conservation is just a normal part of everyday life. If I wasn’t doing this, I’m not sure what else would have been as fulfilling.

Do you have a memorable moment on the job?

I have several, but one of my most memorable came early in my career. I was working at Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and went down to a satellite refuge to check out some moist soil units for ducks. When I arrived and made my way to a unit adjacent to the Mississippi River, I saw what I heard old timers describe as “the sky black with ducks.” The sound was indescribable; I witnessed tornadoes of ducks settle one after another. It was at that moment that I knew I was hooked on conservation for life.

What led to your career choice?

I was just at the right place at the right time. I went to a funeral with my ag teacher from high school. While there a professor at the university mentioned to my ag teacher that they had a new department and a new fishery program at the university and that they were looking for some kids to get into this “fishery thing” as he called it, and that there was a scholarship available. I knew nothing about fishery biology, hadn’t even heard of it. I decided to try for the scholarship and that if I got it, it was a sign from God that this was what I supposed to do. I got the scholarship that year and three more years. The rest is history.

What is your educational background?

• B.S. from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• M.S. from Tennessee Tech. University

To find available hatchery manager jobs, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “0482” and/or “fisheries management.” Filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” The job requires a bachelor’s degree in biological science and specialized study limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology. Details about education and experience requirements. Specific requirements are detailed in individual job listings.