Hatchery Technician

Organization Summary:
The Downeast Salmon Federation is a nonprofit organization based in Downeast Maine. DSF is involved in a wide variety of conservation work that ranges from Atlantic salmon restoration, diadromous fish research, to land conservation and educational programming. As a hatchery technician you will be an integral part of an organization striving to make a difference in one of the most unique environments in the United States.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Fish Hatchery Technician to join our team. The hatchery technician assists the assistant hatchery manager and hatchery manager with the operation of our two conservation hatcheries that rear endangered Atlantic salmon. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations of the fish hatchery, ensuring the health and growth of the fish. This role involves hands-on work with fish, equipment maintenance, and data recording to support the hatchery’s production goals.These hatcheries are located in East Machias and Columbia Falls, Maine. Living within 25 minutes of the East Machias as well as the Columbia Falls is required for this position due to being on-call and tending to alarms. If relocating to the required living location is not possible, a bunk room can be set up at the hatchery for the chosen candidate.

Key Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

Fish Care and Management:

• Assist in hatching, and rearing of Atlantic salmon to the parr lifestage.
• Daily husbandry for fish and general hatchery tasks during the mornings and the evenings, including weekends and holidays.
• Being available for a rotating on-call schedule with two other full time staff and responding to hatchery alarms at any time.
• Monitor water quality parameters such as temperature, oxygen levels, and pH.
• Feed fish according to established protocols and schedules.
• Conduct health assessments and administer treatments as necessary.

Facility Maintenance:

• Clean and maintain tanks and other hatchery equipment.
• Ensure proper operation of pumps, filters, and aeration systems.
• Repair and perform maintenance on hatchery equipment.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Record data on fish growth, health, and mortality rates.
• Maintain and organize accurate physical and digital records.
• Assist in preparing reports for management and regulatory agencies.

Support Activities:

• Responsible for site management in the absence of the Assistant Hatchery Manager and Hatchery Manager.
• Leading seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers.
• Maintaining compliance with permits and professional relationships with partners.
• Conduct / support hatchery tours, school programs and special events.
• Participate in public outreach, educational programs, and conducting tours.
• Conduct fisheries and field assessments including, but not limited to:
• Egg planting, smolt trapping, stocking, electrofishing, snorkel surveys, habitat restoration, and redd counting.

Qualifications:

Education:
The preferred candidate has a bachelor’s degree in the fisheries or aquaculture field, but not required.

Experience:
Other fisheries or hands-on trades related experience is valued for this position. Valuable experience would include, but not limited to: work in fish hatcheries, experience handling salmonids, experience canoeing in rivers, and experience working in and around streams and rivers in all types of weather.

Skills and Abilities:

• Able to work 10 – 14 hours days during the busy season.
• Strong observational and problem-solving skills.
• The candidate must be able to work nights and weekends including being on-call for hatchery alarms.
• Being able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. in varying conditions.
• Having reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license is required for this position to be able to conduct the on-call responsibilities.
• Good writing skills and operating knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with ArcGIS is also valued for this position but not required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions:
The position involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments, with exposure to wet and humid conditions, varying temperatures, and potentially hazardous materials.
Weekend, holiday, nights, and on-call work is  required.

Compensation:
Starting salary is set at $42,450.20 per year, depending on experience.
The Downeast Salmon Federation also offers health, dental, and eye insurance as well as matching IRA contributions (full list of benefits can be set upon request).