Assistant Hatchery Manager – Trail Lakes Hatchery

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 helps with the operation and maintenance of Trails Lakes Hatchery in a safe, professional, and cost-effective manner. This position has 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 using 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:

• A valid Alaska driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
• An applied understanding of Alaska salmon culture techniques typically gained by at least one year of Fish Culturist or Fisheries Biologist experience that includes direct supervision of staff.
• Basic mechanical and maintenance skills in plumbing, vehicle and boat maintenance, carpentry, and light equipment operation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. and to work in wet, cold, hot, and generally inclement conditions for extended periods.
• The ability to launch, trailer, and pilot small boats.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not required, the following experience or skills would strengthen an application:

• At least 2 years of Fish Culturist or Fisheries Biologist I level experience, including training and supervision of fisheries technicians.
• Knowledge of Alaska fish culture practices, environmental compliance guidelines, and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of cold-water fish pathology diagnosis and treatment.
• Education in fisheries biology or a related field, such as fisheries management, ecology, or biology (associate’s degree or higher preferred).
• 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 your background aligns with this position 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 $52,322 to $68,336 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 medical leave. Furnished, on-site housing is provided with electric, heating fuel and internet services. Housing may be communal. A relocation benefit may be available.