Maintenance Assistant or Manager and Fish Culturist or Fish Tech - Port Armstrong, AK

We have current openings for a Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Assistant, Fish Culturist I/II/II or a Fish Technician. We would be happy to hire a couple for any combination of those positions.  

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Maintenance Engineer/ Maintenance Manager, Port Armstrong Hatchery

The non-profit salmon hatchery is located in a beautiful and remote wilderness setting on Baranof Island, Southeast Alaska. There are no roads or urban amenities at this site, which sits on beachfront property backed by high mountains, and access is by boat or seaplane. Fishing and hunting opportunities are superb, and boating and hiking are common pastimes. Approximately fifteen people live in this village-like community. The hatchery generates its own hydroelectric power and is served by a satellite internet system. 

These full-time positions are responsible for the maintenance and repair, as well as installation when appropriate, of the facilities and equipment of an Alaskan salmon hatchery. The facility includes equipment specific to fish culture, pipelines and small hydropower systems, as well as common industrial and domestic machinery and buildings. Primary responsibilities include: operation of the physical plant systems; maintenance and repair of all facilities, equipment and systems; planning and directing construction and other projects; assisting with the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets; and other diverse tasks. The Maintenance Engineer/Manager is supervised by and works closely with the Hatchery Manager and Assistant Manager.

Specific Duties.  

1. Operation of the physical plant – Understand and operate the different components of the hatchery physical plant, which includes the buildings, pipelines, process water distribution system, electrical power generation and distribution, domestic water, sewage, garbage, fuel storage and distribution, fire suppression, and alarm systems. Also included are a variety of equipment, small boats and outboard motors, and other small engines necessary for the operation of the hatchery programs. 

2. Maintenance and repair - Be responsible for keeping shop and construction project areas clean, well organized, and safe. Maintain accurate inventory records of all equipment and supplies on site. Provide timely input to the Hatchery Manager regarding the condition of equipment and buildings and ensure that preventive and routine maintenance is scheduled and performed.  Make repairs on facilities and equipment as needed.  Enforce safety rules and guidelines.

3. Teamwork – Coordinate work routines and projects with other hatchery staff. Supervise personnel as directed by the Hatchery Manager, providing feedback on employee performance and personnel needs. Provide leadership and be a proactive part of team building, setting a general tone that encourages optimum performance.

4. Construction Projects – Assist the Hatchery Manager in planning and coordinating construction and capital improvement projects. Supervise and direct construction, maintenance and other capital improvement projects, including outside contractors, as needed. Design and fabricate tools and equipment.

5. Prepare annual budgets – Assist the Hatchery Manager with preparation of annual operations and capital budgets to be submitted for presentation to the board of directors.

6. Administrative Duties - Verify time sheets associated with maintenance or construction. Plan and assist with procurement of supplies, equipment and services, ensuring that all AKI purchasing protocols are followed. 

7. Occasionally help with fish culture tasks, unloading freight, and other duties as assigned by the Hatchery Manager.

Qualifications.  Ideally the applicant will have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of machine and building maintenance. Experience with small engines, outboard motors, hydroelectric generating units, pumps, aluminum and HDPE welding, and floating structures would be particularly beneficial. Plumbing, wiring and construction skills are useful. Must be willing to learn specific techniques that have been developed successfully for the Port Armstrong site, and especially to learn to operate and troubleshoot the complex water system supplying the hatchery. Must be able to organize time, solve problems and carry out duties with a minimum of supervision, as well as work cooperatively with other staff. Good physical health is required, including the ability to routinely lift objects weighing at least 50 lbs. and to walk up a steep trail to service the pipelines. Ability to get along with co-workers and thrive in a remote wilderness location is essential. 

Compensation. The salary is competitive, DOE. Includes profit-sharing plan, medical insurance, and generous leave time. Living, working and playing in this pristine wilderness location far from the ills of modern urban society and instead surrounded by incredible natural beauty is the best aspect of the position for those who thrive at the hatchery.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Hatchery Maintenance Manager or Maintenance Assistant

Port Armstrong Hatchery is located at the south end of Baranof Island, about 50 air miles south of Sitka, Alaska, accessible by floatplane and boat. Our facility is a remote community of professionals dedicated to enhancing Alaska’s salmon fisheries. We raise three species of pacific salmon: chum, pink and coho. ________________________________________________________________

Responsibilities: Maintenance of industrial facilities and equipment including water system and small hydro maintenance, basic construction projects, small engine and routine building maintenance. Occasionally will help with fish culture tasks, unloading freight, and other duties as assigned by the Hatchery Manager.

Qualifications: A strong maintenance / mechanical background is required. Applicants should be able to climb steep, rough trail, sometimes in inclement weather, and lift up to 70 lbs. The ability to work independently and in teams is critical. The successful applicant will ideally be able to:

• Troubleshoot and repair electrical generators and distribution systems; 
• Perform household and small industrial scale plumbing layout, maintenance and repair; 
• Maintain and repair outboard, gas and diesel engines; 
• Complete small-scale carpentry projects and be able to assist in new construction projects, 
• Perform basic welding of steel, aluminum and HDPE
• Perform basic communication and record keeping via computer 

Salary/Compensation: DOE, with generous benefits policy including housing, board allowance, health care policy and harvest bonus program.
 

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Fish Culturist I/II/III

Port Armstrong Hatchery is located at the beautiful and remote south end of Baranof Island, about 50 air miles south of Sitka, Alaska, accessible only by floatplane and boat. Our facility is a community of professionals dedicated to enhancing Alaska’s salmon fisheries. We raise three species of pacific salmon: Chum, pink and coho. 

Responsibilities: 

Under the supervision of the hatchery manager and assistant hatchery manager, the Fish Culturist is part of the team responsible for the production of the hatchery’s 105 million pink salmon, 60 million chums, and 5 million cohos. The job entails a broad range of responsibilities for fish culture, harvest and egg-take operations. The Fish Culturist works with the hatchery management in a supporting role and in some circumstances acts as a front-line supervisor for seasonal workers.

Qualifications: 

The applicant should have an in-depth knowledge of salmon culture, with experience at an Alaska hatchery preferred but not mandatory. A strong work ethic and a positive attitude are fundamental. Will be expected to apply sound fish culture practices and to learn specific techniques that have been developed successfully for the Port Armstrong site. Must be able to organize time, solve problems and carry out duties with a minimum of supervision, as well as work cooperatively with other staff. Good physical health and strength, including the ability to lift 70 lbs., are required to carry out the associated tasks. The ability to get along well with co-workers and thrive in a remote wilderness location is essential. Other skills outside of fish culture, such as diving and maintenance skills, as well as a willingness to learn to operate and troubleshoot the complex hatchery pipeline system, are a plus. 

Specific Duties: 

The Fish Culturist shares responsibility for all aspects of fish culture at the hatchery. Activities include collecting, sorting and taking eggs from brood stock; preparing, loading and tending incubator boxes; feeding, monitoring, treating, and releasing fry; monitoring, maintaining and responding to emergencies in the water system, raceways and various other fish culture equipment; and collecting and recording culture data. At times, this job may involve assisting management with the harvest of returning adult salmon for sale to commercial processors. Administrative duties consist of assisting hatchery management in developing improvements in operations and facilities, coordinating tasks of the hatchery staff, tending to paperwork and providing leadership to seasonal employees. The Fish Culturist may at times also be asked to take part in construction and maintenance activities and any other duties the Hatchery Manager may assign.

Salary/Compensation: DOE, with generous benefits including housing, $350/month food allowance, health care policy, health savings account and harvest bonus program.