Shellfish Pathology Manager

State of Connecticut•Milford, CT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Agriculture is the lead state authority on shellfish. This position is accountable for performing as a specialist in the designing, organizing, coordinating, implementing, reporting, and developing of the state shellfish health program. It also involves overseeing/directing shellfish biosecurity efforts, and advising/assisting in shellfish-related activities of state hatcheries and state natural and/or marine waters. This role is for current Connecticut Department of Agriculture employees looking to advance their careers within the agency.

Requirements

Nine (9) years of professional experience.
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the specific area of assignment.
College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
A Master's degree in business administration, public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
Two (2) years of experience as an Apprenticeship and Training Program Manager may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations.
Considerable knowledge of project management.
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of business and public administration with emphasis on effective organization, administration and management.
Considerable interpersonal skills.
Considerable oral and written communication skills.
Considerable ability to analyze organizational problems and determine effective solutions.

Nice To Haves

PhD in biological sciences, shellfish pathology, or a closely related field.
Experience performing histopathological procedures and examinations used in diagnosing shellfish diseases.
Experience conducting molecular diagnostic procedures and completing associated data analyses for shellfish disease detection.
Experience designing, organizing, coordinating, implementing, and reporting on the state shellfish health program, as well as biosecurity measures for shellfish and inland aquaculture facilities.

Responsibilities

Directs staff and/or operates the state shellfish health program and/or project or division.
Serves as agency primary source of professional knowledge of shellfish pathology.
Coordinates, plans, and manages program and/or project activities.
Evaluates and authorizes the importation of aquaculture plants and animals.
Develops guidelines for the prevention and/or minimization of spread of shellfish disease.
Develops or assists in development of related policy.
Interprets and administers pertinent laws.
Interprets scientific studies and/or presentations and implements scientific advancements in shellfish health.
Available to engage with the professional shellfish health community, such as through interactions with groups like the National Shellfisheries Association and/or the East Coast Pathology Working Group and maintains contact with individuals within and outside of agency who might impact on program and/or project activities.
Serves on professional committees and grant review panels and acts in an advisory role as required.
Speaks before professional and lay groups on subjects related to the agency mission (e.g., at the National Shellfisheries Association meeting, the Northwest Aquaculture Conference & Exposition and Milford Aquaculture seminar, the Annual Gathering of Shellfish Commissions, the Shellfish Harvesters’ Meeting, and the general public).
Maintains, operates, and plans for replacement and/or improvement of specialized scientific equipment necessary for state shellfish diagnostic capabilities.
Principal Investigator on all instate and Northeast region collaborative aquaculture research projects and grants, coordinating the workload among the participating staff and partners.
Leads the advancement and development of the laboratories q-PCR diagnostic capabilities.