Assistant Hatchery Manager, Tutka Bay Lagoon 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

Paid vacation and sick leave

Internet service included

Job summary

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) seeks an on-site Assistant Hatchery Manager for Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery near Homer, Alaska. The role supports hatchery operations, supervision of staff, and safety across routine fish culture duties.

The position requires hands-on maintenance, broodstock work, water-quality checks, and coordination during emergencies. Housing on site is provided, with health benefits and retirement options available.

Qualifications

• Must have applied fishery biology knowledge and field experience.
• Experience with mechanical/maintenance tasks relevant to hatcheries.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications and data recording.
• Ability to work in inclement weather and handle sampling gear.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and operating small boats.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operation and maintenance of Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery.
• Participate in broodstock collection and spawning activities.
• Perform routine fish culture tasks (feeding, incubation, cleaning).
• Maintain records on hatchery performance and water quality.
• Supervise Fish Culturists and Fisheries Technicians.
• Conduct safety inspections and training as needed.

Skills

Applied fishery biology

Maintenance skills

Communication skills

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Weather resilience

Boating ability

Lift up to 50 lbs

Valid Alaska driver’s license

CPR and First Aid

Education

Associate's degree or higher in fisheries biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Assistant Hatchery Manager, Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery

Closing Date: Open until filled, first review November 4, 2026

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) has an opening for an on-site Assistant Hatchery Manager at Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery, located remotely in Tutka Bay Lagoon, near Homer, Alaska. This hatchery is currently permitted to produce up to 125 million pink salmon eggs and also assists with the Trail Lakes Hatchery Lower Cook Inlet sockeye salmon program.

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 Tutka Bay Lagoon 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 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.


• 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.

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, quarterly weekend benefit, vacation and sick leave. Furnished, on-site housing is provided with electric, heating fuel, and internet services.