Fish Culturist

Southern SE Regional Aquaculture Association•Ketchikan, AK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) is recruiting for a full-time, 10-month fish culturist at the Neets Bay Hatchery, a remote hatchery located approximately 30 air miles from Ketchikan, Alaska. The Neets Bay Hatchery program includes approximately 140 million chum salmon and 3.5 million coho salmon. This position requires living on site in a furnished shared apartment unit. Utilities include but are not limited to: weekly mail and supply flights, satellite internet, and R&R hotel accommodations in Ketchikan. Work consists of fish culture and basic maintenance duties at the hatchery and there may be advancement opportunities. The ideal candidate has the ability to develop healthy working relationships with co-workers and have a willingness to learn and share knowledge and skills. Previous experience in fish husbandry, a closely related field, or as part of past/current education is preferred, but SSRAA is willing to train the right applicant. The job requires the ability to: stand and walk for extended periods of time, lift, carry, push, or pull 50lbs or more repeatedly, work in inclement weather, and inside around cold running water. Pay range is $20.69/hr to $28.06/hr, DOE.

Requirements

Demonstrated job experience applicable to hatchery work
Job requires the ability to learn general principles and practices of fisheries science, scientific sampling and analysis on a practical basis
Basic skills in the use of hand and power tools.
Basic computer skills in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel and use of spreadsheets.
Belief in SSRAA’s mission statement.
Must be a self-starter.
Must be safety conscious.
Must be able to multi-task.
Must be able to recognize critical components of a process and adapt as needed
Ability to work as a team and be a problem solver.
Maintain confidentiality when appropriate
Able to communicate effectively and handle stress effectively.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in fish husbandry, a closely related field, or as part of past/current education is preferred
Two years working full-time at a production scale salmonid hatchery and a minimum two-year associates degree in aquaculture or related field although previous related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Skill in general operation and maintenance of cultural, scientific and field equipment is desirable.
Small boat operation.
Basic knowledge of maintenance including plumbing, electrical, and carpentry.

Responsibilities

Performs all tasks necessary for the daily operation of the hatchery freshwater and saltwater production activities which may include remote camp work
May assist with transport of fry, smolt, and eggs to SSRAA’s various other hatchery facilities and remote rearing sites.
Responsible for sampling fish stocks, performing daily routine and checks, cleaning raceways and net pens, feeding fish, administering drug treatments, and the practice of good fish culture techniques
Performs all aspects of the egg incubation process including but not limited to: egg takes, egg picking, egg disinfection/fungus control, and seeding incubators at proper densities as specified by the hatchery manager
Maintain accurate records of all cultural activities including but not limited to: ADEC wastewater monitoring, incubation records, sampling data, daily mortality, drug treatments, feed inventory, and routine system checks as assigned.
Assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment
May assist in the supervision of new hires as assigned
Share in 24/7 site coverage, as needed
Perform other duties as assigned