Geneticist

Description

Classification:

Exempt 

Reports to:

CEO

Summary/Objective

This position reports to the CEO and is responsible for genetic programs for Steelhead, Coho and Atlantic family groups including spawning, management, tracking and all facets of the brood areas. 

Essential Functions:

The Geneticist will demonstrate a knowledge of genetics in order to manage and improve breeding programs while demonstrating a good work ethic, attention to detail and excellent record keeping skills, ensuring the success of the department. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the following essential functions.

1. Management of brood programs for Steelhead, Coho and Atlantic family groups including spawning, management, recordkeeping, and tracking of families. 
2. Ensures operational efficiency and management of RAS facilities for assigned area including tanks and equipment in the area.
3. Applies knowledge of molecular and/or quantitative genetics and biotechnology methods to manage and improve breeding programs.
4. Identifies and determines the contribution of genetics and other factors on the survival and fertility of individual families and makes appropriate adjustments and recommendations to the genetics program.
5. Identifies genetic markers that can effectively predict mortality, growth, size and other important factors.
6. Applies education, practical experience and knowledge of DNA technology (preferred) to the management of genetics program.
7. Applies knowledge of experimental design to manage and improve systems and program.
8. Collects and maintain genetics program data and performs relevant statistical analysis in order to make recommendations and improvements to program.
9. Ensures daily duties are performed in the brood areas including husbandry activities including: Feeding, mortality removal, screen scrubbing, etc.
10. Monitors fish behavior fish behavior and health coordination with Manager and Fish Health & Cryogenic Manager.
11. Ensures and oversees maintenance needs on systems and equipment including routine cleaning as necessary, swirl separator, scrubbing dip net repair, cover repairs, etc.
12. Works with managers on feed inventory control and follows feed charts according to plan. 
13. Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment and grounds; respond to alarms; identify safety hazards and recommend remedies and/or take appropriate action.
14. Leads and oversees fish transfers within area and helps as needed in other areas. 
15. Assists in environmental and water quality testing to stay within established parameters. This includes water flows to tanks and systems. 
16. Attends regular crew or production meetings as required and discusses relevant data and information.
17. Collaboration with other team-members and areas on site to ensure consistent processes and procedures are followed.  
18. Supervision and organization of program and projects to include instruction for laborers and technicians in area. 
19. Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment required. 
20. Work in other site areas as directed.

Requirements

Competencies

1. Genetics Knowledge.
2. Record Keeping.
3. Problem Solving/Analysis.
4. Fish Husbandry
5. Initiative, resourcefulness, punctuality, and ability to work independently.
6. Knowledge of Aquaculture.
7. Attention to Detail.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises the genetics staff. 

Work Environment

This job operates in an outdoor farm environment. This role routinely is exposed to inclement weather conditions. The role requires the use of office equipment such as computers (spreadsheets), phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This is a physically demanding role with occasional office work. This role requires the ability to lift up to 75 pounds with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. The ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, twist, hear, see and the ability to use all senses with or without reasonable accommodation is required. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., with some on call and weekend availability necessary.

Travel

Minimal travel may be required for this position.

Required Education and Experience

B.S. in Genetics or related degree.

1. Previous experience working in aquaculture preferred.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Practical experience in raising fish in recirculating systems preferred.
2. Fundamental molecular biology knowledge or experience. 
3. Fish culture techniques; rearing procedures.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.