Freshwater Aquaculture Technician - Contract

Cooke Inc.; Bonny River; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd., a division of Cooke Aquaculture Inc., is seeking a Freshwater Aquaculture Technician for its New Brunswick hatcheries. This hands-on contract role supports daily hatchery operations, fish care, and data recording to ensure healthy salmon production.

The ideal candidate will have aquaculture training or proven hands-on experience with spawning, incubation, and early rearing stages, plus willingness to work varied shifts and in challenging environments.

Qualifications

• Completion of aquaculture training or hands-on experience in spawning, egg incubation, and rearing salmon fry.
• Ability to safely perform physically demanding work (lifting, carrying).
• Basic computer skills and accurate record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Monitor fish health, feeding, oxygen levels, and water quality.
• Conduct routine water quality testing and maintain records.
• Enter production and environmental data in computer systems.
• Assist hatchery operations: fish husbandry, grading, weighing, and handling.
• Support broodstock activities: handling, spawning, egg collection, incubation, fry production.
• Assist with vaccination, grading, and health-related tasks.
• Operate and maintain pumps, filters, tanks, and hatchery equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follow safety procedures and use PPE as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Computer literacy

Biosecurity practices

Teamwork

Shift flexibility

Education

Aquaculture training

Tools

Hatchery equipment

Data entry systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

KCS - FW - All Hatcheries Contract Full-Time Bonny River, NB, CA

3 days ago Requisition ID: 2474

Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd., a division of Cooke Aquaculture Inc., a dynamic and growing east coast family company, with Platinum Member status in the Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program, is offering a unique opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join the Company’s team as a Freshwater Aquaculture Technician for our hatcheries in New Brunswick. This is a contract position with an end date of December 31, 2026.

Cooke is a global seafood company with operations in North America, Europe, and South America. Our company’s success is driven by our dynamic, highly-skilled and innovative management team, supported by dedicated employees who live in coastal communities and contribute to the local area’s economy and sense of community.

The Role

As a Freshwater Aquaculture Technician, you will play an important role in the day-to-day operation of our freshwater hatchery and the care of our fish throughout their early stages of development. This is a hands‑on position working closely with the hatchery team to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment while supporting the successful production and growth of our salmon.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor fish health, feeding, oxygen levels, and water quality to support optimal growing conditions.
• Perform routine water quality testing and maintain accurate daily records of water chemistry and oxygen levels.
• Collect, record, and enter production and environmental data using computer-based systems.
• Assist with daily hatchery operations, including fish husbandry, feeding, grading, weighing, and handling.
• Support broodstock activities, including handling brood fish, spawning, egg collection, incubation, and fry production.
• Assist with fish vaccination, grading, culling, and other fish health and production activities.
• Operate, inspect, clean, and maintain pumps, filters, tanks, and other hatchery equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including routine cleaning and sanitation of equipment and work areas.
• Handle approved chemicals while following required safety procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in required respirator fit testing and follow respiratory protection procedures when applicable.
• Respond to hatchery alarms and assist with operational issues as required.
• Work collaboratively with other Hatchery Technicians and team members to support efficient hatchery operations.
• Perform other hatchery-related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow established procedures.
• The ability to safely perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, and assisting with the handling of broodstock and equipment.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to accurately enter and maintain records.
• A strong commitment to fish health, workplace safety, and biosecurity practices.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work varied or irregular shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by hatchery operations.

The ideal candidate will have completed aquaculture training from a recognized educational institute. This requirement may be substituted with sufficient hands‑on experience in spawning, egg incubation and early rearing of salmon fry.

Previous experience with water quality testing would be considered an asset.

Working Conditions:

This is a hands‑on aquaculture position that may involve working in wet, cold, humid, and outdoor environments. You should be comfortable working around water, fish, machinery, cleaning products, and other materials commonly used in hatchery operations. Appropriate PPE must be worn as required.

*As per company policy, a criminal background check is required.*

Why Cooke? Simple – we are a company that rewards initiative, resourcefulness and work ethic. We will champion your growth and provide you with the platform to create your path, your career, and your future.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.