Fish Culturist

Are you looking for a fun, challenging and rewarding job in one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Alaska? Do you have experience as a fish culturist? Do you have experience with Pacific salmon husbandry? Are you looking for an opportunity to work in aquaculture in a city environment at Solomon Gulch Hatchery in Valdez, Alaska? Overview Organization: Valdez Fisheries is a private non-profit association dedicated to enhancing salmon fisheries and developing renewable fisheries resources in Prince William Sound. VFDA operates the Solomon Gulch Hatchery which is a modern, large production facility, culturing 270 million pink and 2 million coho salmon eggs. VFDA has 16 full time employees and up to 25 seasonal employees and is located within the municipality of Valdez, Alaska. Position This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. Under the general supervision of the Hatchery Manager and Assistant Hatchery Manager, the Fish Culturist performs a variety of fish culture duties varying with the season of the year. In addition, each Culturist will be assigned the supervision of an area of responsibility either on a permanent or as-needed basis in the areas of harvest, egg take, incubation, and rearing. General site duties shared with other staff members will also be required of each Culturist. Independent judgement and performance is required when initiating and implementing hatchery projects, processes and schedules. The Fish Culturist supervises fish technicians assigned to their projects. Essential Job Functions Prepare feeding and rearing schedules, prepare feed, supervise and/or perform necessary feeding activities. Supervise and participate in egg taking, incubation and various fish marking techniques. Maintain and adjust calculated quantities, temperatures and dissolved gas levels of water supplies to provide desired effect to incubation and rearing units. Clean ponds, troughs, tanks, incubators, screens, and work areas. Establish fish loading densities and prepare and monitor systems for the transport of fish to remote locations. Perform gross examination and necropsy of fish for diseases or nutritional disorders. Operate and adjust hatchery apparatus such as electronic measuring devices, scales, etc. Participate in conducting various biological studies such as rearing and migration studies, marked fish recovery, and plankton measurements. Supervise laboratory duties including maintaining chemical records and lab equipment. Other related tasks as assigned by the Hatchery Manager or Assistant Hatchery Manager. Qualifications Minimum required Education — BS in applicable fisheries or related field. Direct related experience may be substituted for education requirement. Experience — Demonstrable knowledge in Pacific Salmonid culture is required. One year experience in a similar position or two years experience in a lesser position in a hatchery but with increasing responsibilities. Other combinations of training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for relevancy. Working knowledge of electronic spreadsheets and word processing desired. Current driver's license required. Additional Desirable Qualifications A candidate should be motivated, energetic, and able to pass a fit-for-duty physical. A qualified candidate must be able to work independently as well as in a team setting in Alaskan environmental conditions. Difficulties This position is physically strenuous. Must have ability to: tolerate long periods of walking or standing; lift equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, push and pull heavy objects independently and in conjunction with others; bend and stoop frequently; use hands and arms to manipulate small objects with accuracy. The ability to swim is desired. The ability to wear a respirator and obtain physician approval to perform work with a respirator is required when tasks assigned mandate respirator use. Must be able to hear alarms and other auditory warnings, see changes in fish conditions, and observe specimens under a microscope. Must be able to solve complex problems, use mathematical formulas to accurately obtain and evaluate data, respond appropriately and quickly to hatchery emergencies, and have the ability to organize time and carry out duties with a minimum of supervision. Job Details Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $70,304.00 per year Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Schedule 8 hour shift Monday to Friday On call Weekends as needed People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Questions Do you currently live and work in the United States? Education: Bachelor’s (Required) Experience: pacific salmon husbandry: 1 year (Required) working in a hatchery: 1 year (Required) #J-18808-Ljbffr Aquatic Network