Hatchery Manager

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Hatchery Manager is a key leadership position within the Metlakatla Indian Community, responsible for overseeing the full operational management of a fish hatchery on a 24-hour basis. This includes construction oversight, daily operations, and personnel management, requiring high-level decision-making capabilities. Additionally, the Hatchery Manager works closely with the Fish and Wildlife Director, senior management, and office staff to execute Tribal Council directives. This position is one of the top management roles within the community, contributing significantly to fisheries development. 

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. 
• Substitutions: 
• Four years of any combination of progressively responsible work experience in aquaculture or mariculture and/or post-secondary education from an accredited college (3 semester/4 quarter hours equal one month) in aquaculture, aquatic ecology, fish biology, fisheries, fisheries resources, fisheries sciences and management, fisheries technology, marine biology, natural resource management, oceanography, or veterinary science will substitute for the required bachelor’s degree. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Must have a current driver’s license. 
• Must be able to pass a drug test. 
• Location: Hatchery or remote field. 
• Eligible for group health & life insurance with optional retirement options.  
• Station Customary Work Hours: 8:00 – 5:00, Monday – Friday. 
• Must have flexibility to work extended and irregular schedules. 
• Position supervises the assistant hatchery manager, facility maintenance superintendent, fish culturists I and II.