Job Title: Senior Hatchery Technician
Department: Natural Resources Department
Reports to: Hatchery Manager
Salary Range: $17.07 to $23.89 per hour ($35,496 to $49,694) Annually
Status: Non-Exempt
Level: B22
Opens: April 08, 2024
Closes: April 22, 2024
SUMMARY: The Senior Hatchery Technician will be responsible for daily operations and activities of the LTBB Fisheries Enhancement Facility and will report directly to the Hatchery Manager. The Senior Hatchery Technician will aid in fish propagation, assist and develop hatchery research, create and follow hatchery operation plans, coordinate with various LTBB Natural Resource Department staff and perform all duties necessary for successful operation of a fish hatchery.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Hatchery Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for daily aquaculture activities of feeding, monitoring, and cleaning.
- Responsible for the Walleye/Whitefish pond culture program, including water quality monitoring
- Responsible for the subsampling programResponsible for cultivating and maintain live feed (zooplankton, artemia, blood worms, algae, etc.) for use in aquaculture research and operations
- Assist in all stages of fish culture including, but not limited to: egg collection and incubation, fry and fingerling culture, and fish stocking activitiesWork with the Hatchery Manager to develop methodology for any species where protocols currently do not exist.
- Responsible for monitoring water quality (dissolved oxygen, temperature, etc.) and fish health metrics (weight, growth, disease, etc.)
- Assists with the fish health program and logistics of fish health testing
- Clean and maintain hatchery equipment and working areas to minimize exposure to disease and maintain conditions conducive for fish propagation.
- Operate computer equipment and technology as relates to fish culture (ArcGIS, Q-capture, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access)
- Perform basic maintenance and plumbing as needed.
- Respond to alarms and emergencies within 25 minutes, during or after typical work hours as assigned
Fieldwork Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in fish gamete collection and fisheries assessments using a variety of gear types (gill nets, seines, impoundment nets, electroshocking, etc.)
- Assist in the assessment of stocking location suitability as necessary
- Assist with fish stocking efforts, including loading stocking vehicles
- Operate various equipment and power tools (GPS, field meters, radios, saws, etc. as needed)
Research Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist Hatchery Manager in development and execution of research projects with a high level of precision
- Research issues and topics as assigned by the Hatchery Manager, Great Lakes Fisheries Biologist, or Natural Resource Director
- Process biological samples as directed by the Hatchery Manager
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with grounds maintenance and care
- Monitor inventory and submit supply orders to Hatchery Manager for approval
- Assist Hatchery Manager in preparation of reports and/or presentations
- Operate department vehicles
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors of Science degree from a four-year college/university in fisheries, aquatic science, hatchery management, or related field is required. Two years demonstrated experience in hatchery operations is preferred. Possession of Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience. Experience working with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have knowledge of aquaculture and rearing of warm water and cold water fish species (particularly Great Lakes salmonids, percids, and lake sturgeon)
- Must have knowledge of the life history, reproduction requirements, ecology and live capture techniques
- Must have knowledge of Great Lakes fisheries and natural resource management
- Must have knowledge of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Must have the ability to work both independently for extended periods of time and as a team member; Experience collecting or handling fish is preferred
- Experience sanitary procedures and lab work preferred
- Must be able to operate a boat and have experience backing up boat trailers
- Must have expertise with computer software (R, QGIS, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, etc.);Need to have strong oral and written communication skills
- Must have strong mechanical skills (plumbing, electrical, etc.) and the ability to trouble shoot complex mechanical and biological problems
- Selected candidate must reside or relocate within 25 minutes of the hatchery and be able to respond to hatchery emergencies at any hours
- Prior work experience working with Tribal organizations is preferred
- Must be detail oriented
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds, stand and crouch regularly
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this position the employee will be required to stand, walk, use hands, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, swim, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl especially when working with fisheries equipment in rearing ponds and during field activities. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Will be regularly exposed to wet and/or humid indoor and outdoor weather conditions. Work will occur on but is not limited to: boats, docks, uneven surfaces, concrete floors, and in or near water. The employee will be frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasionally field duties will require travelling long distances in harsh weather. Overnight travel will occasionally be required, and occasionally field duties will require travelling long distances in harsh weather.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Will be required to be on call frequently as determined by coordination with the Hatchery Manager. When on call technician is expected to remain in a 25 minute radius of the hatchery at all times and respond to any alarm calls received from the hatchery in a timely manner. These issues should be resolved by the Hatchery Technician or in consultation with the Hatchery Manager when necessary.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be insurable for duration of employment. Individuals must pass a thorough background investigation, including criminal and employment.
COMMENTS: Indian preference will apply.
