Careers in the Inland Fisheries Division

The Inland Fisheries Division provides quality fishing opportunities for 3.1 million freshwater anglers on Texas' 1,100 public lakes and 191,228 miles of streams, creeks, and rivers. Whether it's preserving Texas native species and freshwater biodiversity, promoting sportfishing, or serving up a wild-caught, healthy source of protein to feed Texas families, the Inland Fisheries Division plays essential roles in managing and conserving public freshwater fisheries resources to meet the needs of all Texans. The division exists to sustain thriving populations of fish and other aquatic species, and to sustain recreationally, commercially, and economically important fisheries.

Simply put, people need fish, and fish need the Inland Fisheries Division. Texas anglers spend an estimated $9.2 billion annually going fishing, generating an annual statewide economic impact of $14.2 billion and helping sustain over 80,000 jobs.

In the 21st century, our freshwater resources face many challenges:

  • Recurring drought and human population growth have led to increased and competing demands for freshwater resources.
  • Reduced river flows, lower lake levels, and aging lake infrastructure threaten to degrade fish habitats and reduce fishing and boating opportunities.
  • Urban development and other land use changes alter watershed conditions and can affect fish habitats.
  • Aquatic invasive species can block boater and angler access on lakes, worsen water losses, and lead to costly repairs for water infrastructure.

Division Activities

  • Fisheries surveys and monitoring
  • Fisheries research and scientific support
  • Fish rearing and stocking
  • Fish habitat restoration and enhancement
  • Aquatic invasive species management
  • Preservation of imperiled freshwater fishes, mussels, and crayfish
  • Angler access improvements on rivers and lakes
  • Regulatory permitting and consultations
  • Fish kill investigation and recovery of damages
  • Angler education and outreach

Work Environment

Teams are based at the TPWD headquarters in Austin, three regional offices, 14 district offices, five freshwater fish hatcheries, and the Texas River Center, Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center, Analytical Services Laboratory, and Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. Fisheries biologists and technicians spend considerable time away from the office conducting surveys, stocking fish, restoring and enhancing fish habitat, enhancing angler access, connecting and engaging with local stakeholders, and performing other activities that benefit freshwater fisheries resources in Texas public waters. They typically work a 40-hour week, but the schedule isn’t always 8 to 5. Sampling trips may involve longer hours. Some activities are conducted on nights and weekends.

Preparing for a Career in Inland Fisheries

Spend some time around water. Practice observing the world around you and consider what it would be like to work in such an environment. Take high-school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, English and communications. Visit a nearby college or university that offers courses in fisheries or aquatic biology. Talk with professors and students in those programs to learn about educational needs and programs that might suit you best.

Career Choices

Fisheries Biologist (NRS I-IV)

Management Biologist
Management biologists use research results to improve the quality of a fishery and achieve objectives such as increasing the size of fish caught by anglers. Managers design stocking programs and fishing regulations. They interview anglers to gather data for development of management programs. The job includes public relations, public policy and administrative responsibilities.

Research Biologist
Fisheries research biologists study aquatic organisms and their interactions with the environment. Research provides the science behind our fisheries management decisions. Areas of research include ecology, physiology, behavior, genetics, aquaculture, economics, pathology, population dynamics and computer modeling. Inland Fisheries research is coordinated by the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center in Mountain Home. A crew of research biologists and technicians oversees projects and works with professionals at hatcheries and district management offices to conduct local research.

Conservation Biologist
Through partnerships with local communities, private landowners, corporations, non-governmental organizations, and other federal and state agencies, conservation biologists work to protect and restore Texas native fishes, their habitats, and other aquatic resources. They often deal with complex issues that require advanced communication and problem- solving skills, as well as broad-based training in a variety of scientific disciplines. Areas of expertise include fish biology, aquatic ecology, hydrology, toxicology, watershed management, restoration science, instream flow science, water quality, and management of aquatic nuisance species.

Hatchery Biologist
Texas freshwater hatcheries rear Florida largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel and blue catfish, striped and hybrid striped bass, sunfishes and forage fish. Our hatcheries do extensive research on pond fertilization, zooplankton dynamics and predator-prey relationships.

Fisheries Technician (FWT I-II)

Technicians work at hatcheries and field stations, assisting with sampling, data collection, research and fish rearing.

Education

Biologist positions require at least a bachelor's degree. However, most people applying for these positions at TPWD have a master's degree. Keep this in mind when planning your educational goals.

Although some colleges and universities offer undergraduate programs in fisheries science, many fisheries professionals obtain degrees in other disciplines such as biology, zoology, engineering, marine science, economics, or animal science. Courses in writing and public speaking, social studies and the humanities are also important. Fisheries professionals must understand not only the scientific basis of a fishery, but also how to communicate their understanding to the public. College algebra and statistics are also recommended courses; these subjects continue to grow in importance as we analyze the relationships between fishes, their habitats, and human populations. Graduate education typically involves specialized study in a selected area of expertise.

Technician positions require a high-school diploma or GED and familiarity with boat and motor repair, auto repair, operating on water, and aquatic organisms and habitats.

Experience

Volunteering at a hatchery or a TPWD outreach event is one way to gain experience in fisheries work. Volunteers assist hatchery and field crews with maintenance, fish culture, fish populations, angler surveys, and habitat assessments. Special volunteer opportunities to donate time and talents at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center include assisting with daily fishing activities, facility tours, educational programs, special events, exhibit development, and facility maintenance. For more information, visit Volunteer website.

Internship Opportunities

TPWD's Summer Student Internship Program is for students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities who meet minimum requirements. Inland Fisheries Division interns work in freshwater fish hatcheries, field stations, or at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. For more information, visit the Internship Program section of our website.