Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) has an opening for an on-site Assistant Hatchery Manager at Trail Lakes Hatchery, located on the road system, near Moose Pass, Alaska. This hatchery is permitted to incubate 30 million sockeye, 6 million coho, and 4 million Chinook salmon eggs. This facility currently focuses on sockeye and coho production.

Job description:   

This is a regular, full-time, exempt position. Under the supervision of the Hatchery Manager, the Assistant Manager provides assistance in the operation and maintenance of Trails Lakes Hatchery in a safe, professional, and cost effective manner. This position performs a variety of responsibilities including, but not limited to:

• Ensures that all maintenance activities are conducted in the manner provided by the Hatchery Manager to provide for facility and equipment readiness.
• Performs rotational standby duties for the facility during non-working hours.
• Responds to emergency and process alarms.
• Assists with broodstock collection and spawning.
• Conducts routine fish culture activities such as feeding, egg incubation, cleaning, monitoring, marking, and release utilizing best practices.
• Maintains records of hatchery performance, maintenance, and water quality measurements.
• Supervises Fish Culturists and Fisheries Technicians.
• Conducts periodic safety inspections, maintains a safe working environment, and may provide orientation and safety training of personnel.
• Assists with monthly APDES water quality sampling, to ensure water quality standards.
• Responsible for site management in the absence of the Hatchery Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of applied fishery biology.
• Working knowledge of mechanical and maintenance skills in plumbing, vehicle and boat maintenance, carpentry, and light equipment operation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate in a concise, effective manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather, operate fishery, and water quality sampling gear.
• Strong outdoor skills and the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• The ability to launch, trailer, and pilot small boats.
• A valid Alaska driver’s license or the ability to obtain one soon after employment.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following experience or skills would strengthen an application:

• An applied understanding of Alaska salmon culture techniques typically gained by at least one but preferably two years of Fish Culturist or Fisheries Biologist experience that includes direct supervision and training of staff such as Fisheries Technicians.
• Knowledge of Alaska fish culture practices, environmental compliance guidelines, and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of cold-water fish pathology diagnosis and treatment.
• Associate’s degree or higher in fisheries biology or a related field, such as fisheries management, ecology, or biology.
• Practical skills relevant to hatchery or field operation such as plumbing or vehicle maintenance.

Other combinations of training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for relevancy. If you believe you meet the qualifications above, and you are looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding job, then CIAA encourages you to apply. CIAA is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation:

Salary range is $53,646 to $70,065 per year, DOE. The benefit package includes health insurance (employee portion is a 5% co-pay of the monthly premium), Health Savings Account with employer contribution, employee 401(k) retirement plan, vacation and sick leave. Furnished, on-site housing is provided with electric, heating fuel and internet services.