Roles and Responsibilities
- Assumes full responsibility for the operation of hatchery facilities, including operational design, budget, plans and implementation.
- Directs all phases of production relative to production goals, quality criteria, and risk reduction procedures.
- Plans and assists with experimental fish rearing, disease control, genetic research and other biological projects.
- Compiles data to prepare comprehensive reports on each season’s hatchery operations; utilizes and modifies computer software to accomplish data entry and analysis needs of these reports.
- Participates in development of long-range plans for the facility. Initiates, executes, summarizes and reports on these plans and projects.
- Prepares, defends, and manages facility and program budgets.
- Consults with other hatchery managers, fish culturists, maintenance managers, fish geneticists and pathologists to resolve problems in hatchery operations.
- Advises biological staff in hatchery and related matters pertinent to various research and management projects.
- Conducts and supervises all aspects of hatchery operations.
- Assures tribal and federal regulatory and permits compliance related to all aspects of hatchery operations.
- Prepares and submits quarterly reports, special reports and studies contributing solutions to tribal hatchery problems.
- Escorts visitors on tours of the facility.
- Supervises facility maintenance superintendent, assistant manager, and fish culturists.
- Purchases hatchery supplies and equipment.
- Monitors and assures implementation of the hatchery safety program and related functions.
- Effectively interacts with the public and directs inquiries to appropriate departments or persons.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of fish hatchery operations and procedures.
- Understanding of aquaculture principles, practices, and new technologies.
- Knowledge of Alaska fish species, habitats, and their ecological importance.
- Familiarity with methods for fisheries development and improvement projects.
- Proficiency with fish culture methods, materials, and equipment, including complex electronic, mechanical, and biological systems.
- Knowledge of fish reproduction and rearing processes.
- Expertise in identifying fish diseases, dietary disorders, and parasitic infestations.
- Ability to apply fisheries biology to hatchery management.
- Budget development and monitoring.
- Conducting fry/smolt research.
- Competency in using field and lab equipment, tagging and sampling gear, and computers.
- Performing technical hatchery studies and preparing reports.
- Record-keeping and report preparation (routine and special reports).
- Analyzing situations accurately and taking effective action.
- Supervising and training employees.
- Planning, directing, and coordinating work.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in fisheries science or a closely related field; and four years of experience as a fish culturist at least two years of which is at the full-proficiency level. The required full-proficiency level experience is met by service as a Fish Culturist II with MIC, or the equivalent with another employer.
