Fish Culturist

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) has an opening for an on-site Fish Culturist 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. The Fish Culturist provides assistance in the operation and maintenance of the Trail Lakes Hatchery in a safe, professional, and cost effective manner. This position performs a variety of responsibilities including, but not limited to:

• Assists in all maintenance activities to provide for the facility and equipment readiness.
• Assists with maintaining records of all fish culture and maintenance activities.
• Responds to emergency and process alarms.
• Assists in broodstock collection and spawning.
• Conducts all fish culture activities utilizing best practices.
• Conducts periodic safety inspections, maintains a safe working environment, and may provide orientation and safety training of personnel.
• Safely operates heavy equipment and boats.
• Assists with monthly APDES water sampling, to ensure water quality standards.
• Responsible for site management in the absence of the Assistant Hatchery Manager and Hatchery Manager.
• Leads Fisheries Technician I-Hatchery positions in the absence of the Assistant Hatchery Manager and Hatchery Manager.

Qualifications:

The ideal applicant will have a working knowledge of applied fishery biology and basic construction techniques; a valid Alaska driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one shortly after hire); and possess good mechanical and boating skills. Must be able to operate fishery and water quality sampling gear.  A minimum of six months experience in fish culture is preferred. Strong outdoor skills and experience with Microsoft Excel and Word and the ability to communicate in a concise, effective manner is required. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs and the ability to work in cold, wet, and humid conditions for extended periods. Current CPR and first aid certifications are required.

Other combinations of training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for relevancy. If you believe you meet the qualifications above, 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 $41,885 to $58,480 per year, DOE. The benefit package includes health insurance (employee portion is a 5% co-pay of the premium), Health Savings Account with employer contribution, employee 401(k) retirement plan, vacation, and medical leave. Furnished housing is provided along with heating fuel, electricity, and internet services. Housing may be communal.