Assistant Hatchery Manager, Trail Lakes Hatchery

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association Inc; Alaska; On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided on-site

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) seeks an on-site Assistant Hatchery Manager at Trail Lakes Hatchery in Alaska. The role supports the Hatchery Manager in daily operations, maintenance, and safety, including broodstock collection, spawning, and routine culture tasks.

The position requires strong communication, fisheries knowledge, and ability to work in harsh weather. Housing is provided on-site; benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and vacation leave. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Minimum: working knowledge of applied fishery biology.
• Experience in plumbing, vehicle and boat maintenance, carpentry, and light equipment operation is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to work in inclement weather and operate sampling gear.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks.
• Ability to launch, trailer, and pilot small boats.
• Alaska driver’s license or ability to obtain soon after employment.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist Hatchery Manager in operation and maintenance of Trails Lakes Hatchery.
• Perform routine fish culture activities: feeding, egg incubation, cleaning, monitoring, marking, and release.
• Maintain records of hatchery performance, maintenance, and water quality measurements.
• Supervise Fish Culturists and Fisheries Technicians.
• Conduct safety inspections and provide safety training as needed.
• Assist with APDES water quality sampling and reporting.
• Respond to emergencies and process alarms.
• Provide site management in Hatchery Manager’s absence.

Skills

Applied fishery biology

Maintenance skills

Communication

MS Office

Weather tolerance

Outdoor fitness

Boating operation

Alaska driver's license

CPR & First Aid

Education

Associate’s degree in fisheries biology or related field

Job description

Assistant Hatchery Manager, Trail Lakes Hatchery

Closing Date: Open until filled, first review November 2, 2026

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) has an opening for an on-site Assistant Hatchery Manager at Trail Lakes Hatchery, located on the road system, near Moose Pass, Alaska. This hatchery is permitted to incubate 30 million sockeye, 6 million coho, and 4 million Chinook salmon eggs. This facility currently focuses on sockeye and coho production.

Description

This is a regular, full-time, exempt position. Under the supervision of the Hatchery Manager, the Assistant Manager provides assistance in the operation and maintenance of Trails Lakes Hatchery in a safe, professional, and cost effective manner. This position performs a variety of responsibilities including, but not limited to:

• Ensures that all maintenance activities are conducted in the manner provided by the Hatchery Manager to provide for facility and equipment readiness.
• Performs rotational standby duties for the facility during non-working hours.
• Responds to emergency and process alarms.
• Assists with broodstock collection and spawning.
• Conducts routine fish culture activities such as feeding, egg incubation, cleaning, monitoring, marking, and release utilizing best practices.
• Maintains records of hatchery performance, maintenance, and water quality measurements.
• Supervises Fish Culturists and Fisheries Technicians.
• Conducts periodic safety inspections, maintains a safe working environment, and may provide orientation and safety training of personnel.
• Assists with monthly APDES water quality sampling, to ensure water quality standards.
• Responsible for site management in the absence of the Hatchery Manager.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of applied fishery biology.
• Working knowledge of mechanical and maintenance skills in plumbing, vehicle and boat maintenance, carpentry, and light equipment operation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate in a concise, effective manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather, operate fishery, and water quality sampling gear.
• Strong outdoor skills and the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• The ability to launch, trailer, and pilot small boats.
• A valid Alaska driver’s license or the ability to obtain one soon after employment.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience or skills would strengthen an application:

• An applied understanding of Alaska salmon culture techniques typically gained by at least one but preferably two years of Fish Culturist or Fisheries Biologist experience that includes direct supervision and training of staff such as Fisheries Technicians.
• Knowledge of Alaska fish culture practices, environmental compliance guidelines, and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of cold-water fish pathology diagnosis and treatment.
• Associate’s degree or higher in fisheries biology or a related field, such as fisheries management, ecology, or biology.
• Practical skills relevant to hatchery or field operation such as plumbing or vehicle maintenance.

Other combinations of training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for relevancy. If you believe you meet the qualifications above, and you are looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding job.

CIAA is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation

Salary range is $53,646 to $70,065 per year, DOE. The benefit package includes health insurance (employee portion is a 5% co-pay of the monthly premium), Health Savings Account with employer contribution, employee 401(k) retirement plan, vacation and sick leave. Furnished, on-site housing is provided with electric, heating fuel and internet services.

Contact

Contact Gabriel Grantham, Hatchery Manager, with questions: [e-mail] or 907-266-3688.