PORT ARMSTRONG HATCHERY
Fish Culturist
The Fish Culturist is primarily responsible for the daily care and rearing of the eggs and juvenile salmon at the Hatchery. The Fish Culturist is a representative of AKI and is expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will represent the best interests of the corporation. The Fish Culturist reports directly to the Hatchery Manager and/or Assistant Hatchery Manager. AKI recognizes three levels within this position. Differentiation is made according to the level of work to be performed, the judgment and responsibility to be reasonably expected, and the supervisory responsibility entailed. The Fish Culturist I is an entry-level position, the Fish Culturist II is a sub-journeyman position, and the Fish Culturist III is a journeyman position and may be responsible for overseeing the Hatchery or off-site projects for extended periods of time.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, performing tasks associated with all aspects of fish culture, operation of the physical plant systems, supervision of employees, data collection, construction and other projects, harvest operations, and other tasks as assigned.
Duties (including but not limited):
- Fish culture: Assist and perform activities for broodstock collection and handling, egg collection and fertilization, incubation, rearing, disease prevention, and control, quality assessment, marking, and release. Ensure proper techniques are followed and quality standards are met to achieve annual production goals. Provide timely input to management regarding the condition of eggs and/or fish and their rearing environment.
- Operation of the physical plant: Understand and assist in the operation of the different components of the Hatchery physical plant, including the pipelines, water distribution system, electrical power generation, and distribution, domestic water, sewage, garbage, fuel storage, and distribution, fire suppression, and alarm systems. Also included are the various pieces of equipment and floating stock necessary for the operation of the Hatchery programs. Help to maintain accurate inventory records of all equipment and supplies on-site. Provide timely input to management regarding the condition of equipment and buildings and assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe facility.
- Supervision of personnel: Supervise personnel as directed by the Hatchery Manager. Provide leadership and set a general tone that encourages optimum performance and be a proactive part of team building.
- Data collection: Assist in the collection and recording of data on water quality and quantity, environmental observations, returning adult salmon, eggs, and rearing fish number, growth and performance, physical plant operations, and other data collection as directed.
- Construction projects: Assist with construction, maintenance, and other capital improvement projects as needed.
- Harvest operations: Assist with broodstock collection and harvest of surplus. Supervise harvest personnel and operations as directed.
- Other duties as assigned
Why us?
The hatchery has the character of a small village, nestled between the bay and steep hillsides along Port Armstrong’s scenic shores. Our facilities have grown alongside increased production, featuring three incubation buildings, ten rearing raceways, and over fifty saltwater net pens. Supported by hydropower and water from nearby lakes, we sustainably rear chum, pink, king, and coho salmon, ensuring self-sufficient operations with electricity and heat generated on-site.
As a private nonprofit organization, AKI is committed to operating the Port Armstrong Hatchery sustainably, contributing to Southeast Alaska’s fisheries while innovating fish culture techniques to enhance hatchery salmon production and support local economies.