Shellfish Hatchery Technician - Queenscliff
Lifestyle opportunity
About the business and the role
The Victorian mussel industry spans over 300 ha of marine water, encompassing seven aquaculture fisheries reserves within Port Phillip Bay and Western Port. Annually the industry produces over ****mt pá of mussels worth of over A$6 million.
The Victorian Shellfish Hatchery is an affiliation between several Victorian mussel farmers and our goal is to consistently and reliably produce shellfish spat to facilitate growth in the Victorian and interstate shellfish industry.
The hatchery is co-located on the Victorian Fisheries Authority site in Queenscliff where we produce blue mussel spat; native flat oysters for both aquaculture and reef restoration; and Sydney rock oysters for interstate farmers.
We are currently seeking to fill the position of Hatchery Technician who will join a small team of 4, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hatchery and delivery of the production plan.
Job tasks and responsibilities
Shellfish brood-stock management and spawning; incubation of larvae
Larval rearing and husbandry through settlement
Nursery production and maintenance/husbandry of spat
Actively undertake routine production tasks such equipment cleaning and maintenance; microbiological monitoring; larvae and spat feeding & associated observations
Provide accurate monitoring and record keeping practices.
Algae production, particularly axenic algal cultures, in continuous bag algal systems and batch algal systems.
Other duties as directed by the Hatchery Manager
Skills and experience (preferred but not essential)
Hands on experience with axenic algal production techniques and systems.
Understanding of bivalve larval rearing techniques
Experience in hatchery and nursery culture systems for marine organisms, especially bivalves will be highly regarded.
Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication with a history of valuable computer and record keeping skills
Ability to work well both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
Physically fit and comfortable with manual labour
A well driven individual that is motivated to succeed
Excellent attention to detail and record keeping
Good time management and organisational skills
Ability to work varied hours and on weekend rosters
Competent with Microsoft excel and basic statistics
Proficient in the use of microscopes and laboratory equipment
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Practical, hands-on basic plumbing skills
Qualifications (desirable)
A degree or tertiary qualification in science, particularly relating to marine biology, aquaculture, or a similar field is preferred, but consideration will also be given to applicants with either relevant shellfish or other industry experience. A competitive salary is offered commensurate with experience. The position is based at Queenscliff.
To apply you must provide a current resume plus a cover letter articulating how your experience and qualifications fit those outlined above. Applications can be made directly via email to ****** or via the seek process above. Applications close Friday 02 October ****, but may be considered before then.
Employer questions
Which of the following Microsoft Office products are you experienced with?
Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
Are you a permanent resident or willing to relocate for this role?
Are you willing to work weekends on roster
Please outline your salary expectations
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