Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA)

SSRAA’s mission is to enhance and rehabilitate salmon production in southern Southeast Alaska to the optimum social and economic benefit of salmon users.

Whitman Lake Hatchery Seasonal Fish Culturist

FLSA Exempt 29 CFR 784.100 Sec 13(a) (5): Exempt Hourly

Reports to: Hatchery Managers

Location: Hatchery Site

Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, (SSRAA), is recruiting for one seasonal fish culturist at the Whitman Lake and Deer Mountain Hatcheries. This position is available immediately and extending through November. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting Alaska’s fisheries enhancement efforts in a dynamic and rewarding outdoor environment. At Whitman Lake, operations include rearing approximately 1.2 million Fall Coho, 1.3 million Chinook, and incubating 40 million Summer Chum, while Deer Mountain supports 100,000 Chinook, 350,000 Fall Coho, and 60,000 Rainbow Trout, offering technicians exposure to large-scale, impactful work.

This position will work closely with fish culture and maintenance staff at both facilities, contributing to daily fish care, facility upkeep, and basic maintenance tasks, along with other duties as needed. This role is well-suited for individuals who are adaptable, communicative, and enjoy working collaboratively in a team setting. The position is physically active and requires working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, performing repetitive tasks, and lifting 50 pounds or more. A valid driver’s license is required as a condition of employment. Bunkhouse-style lodging may be available.

SSRAA is an equal opportunity employer, and this position will remain open until filled.

Summary of Position: Under the supervision of the hatchery management team, carries out assignments in conducting the daily operations of the hatchery freshwater and saltwater rearing activities and related projects.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Performs all tasks necessary for the daily operation of the hatchery freshwater and saltwater production activities which may include remote camp work
• May assist with transport of fry, smolt, and eggs to SSRAA’s various other hatchery facilities and remote rearing sites.
• Responsible for sampling fish stocks, performing daily routine and checks, cleaning raceways and net pens, feeding fish, administering drug treatments, and the practice of good fish culture techniques
• Performs all aspects of the egg incubation process including but not limited to: egg takes, egg picking, egg disinfection/fungus control, and seeding incubators at proper densities as specified by the hatchery manager
• Maintain accurate records of all cultural activities including but not limited to: ADEC wastewater monitoring, incubation records, sampling data, daily mortality, drug treatments, feed inventory, and routine system checks as assigned.
• Assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment
• May assist in the supervision of new hires as assigned
• Share in 24/7 site coverage, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated job experience applicable to hatchery work
• Job requires the ability to learn general principles and practices of fisheries science, scientific sampling and analysis on a practical basis

Preferable, but not required skills and experience:

• Two years working full-time at a production scale salmonid hatchery and a minimum two-year associates degree in aquaculture or related field although previous related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Skill in general operation and maintenance of cultural, scientific and field equipment is desirable.
• Basic skills in the use of hand and power tools.
• Basic computer skills in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel and use of spreadsheets.
• Small boat operation.
• Basic knowledge of maintenance including plumbing, electrical, and carpentry.

Core Competencies:

• Belief in SSRAA’s mission statement.
• Must be a self-starter.
• Must be safety conscious.
• Must be able to multi-task.
• Must be able to recognize critical components of a process and adapt as needed
• Ability to work as a team and be a problem solver.
• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate
• Able to communicate effectively and handle stress effectively.

Physical demands: Position requires physical/repetitive work, the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, stoop, bend over, stretch, climb and sometimes work in confined spaces. Ability to lift and carry in excess of 50 lbs.

Work environment: Will require working indoors around cold running water sometimes in low light conditions with high ambient noise and working outdoors in inclement weather often around water. Some travel by boat and seaplane is required.SSRAA is a growing organization changing as needed to best address its goals. Any description of work is a picture of the major responsibilities of a position at a given point in time. Jobs are dynamic and assignments/priorities may change. This position description is not intended or implied to be an employment contract but is a communication tool to explain the responsibilities, advertise the job, and identify performance measures and potential training needs. SSRAA is an at-will employer.