Aquaculture Lab Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Aquaculture Lab Technician I will be responsible for the operations and duties in the aquaculture portion of Superior Fresh, harvesting, processing blood from Atlantic salmon for biomedical applications and various lab functions. The incumbent will be responsible for collecting blood from fish, processing blood, maintaining equipment and supplies inventory, creating shipments and invoices, and maintaining lab cleanliness and organization. All operations will be done in accordance with the company HACCP/food safety plans, strict biosecurity measures, safety requirements, and Standard Operating Procedures. This position will be responsible for all steps of biomedical material collection, processing, and shipment. This position performs various water quality testing throughout the facility. The incumbent will perform basic daily husbandry tasks of Atlantic Salmon. They will monitor fish health and maintain aquaculture systems. This role requires effective communication of fish behavior and health while also recording important water and system data.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, Required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in laboratory sciences, chemistry, biology, or related field, Preferred.

• Experience: Knowledge of laboratory sciences and having worked in a laboratory or related field, Preferred.

• Licenses or Certifications: None required.

POSITION DETAILS

• Status: Full-time

• Schedule

  • Must be flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary.

  • Will include weekends and holidays.

• Wage Grade: $17/hour

• Benefits:

  • Dental insurance

  • Employee assistance program

  • Employee discount

  • Health insurance

  • Health savings account

  • Life insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Referral program

  • Vision insurance

Primary Job Functions

1. Humanely euthanizing and collecting blood from fish using needles or syringes.

2. Prepare blood for centrifuge processing and operate centrifuge in accordance with lab procedures.

3. Process and separate blood components using appropriate lab procedures and equipment

4. Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures and suggest improvements to increase process efficiencies.

5. Collect all identified data and analyze in accordance with business needs

6. When requested, operate Stunner/bleeder to humanely harvest fish and assist with fish processing.

7. Operate and maintain lab instruments and lab organization in a safe, clean, efficient, and organized manner.

8. Create E-commerce and sample shipments including packing slip/invoice information

9. Relay information regarding issues with collection, processing, or shipment concerns to the Aquaculture Support and Quality Specialist

10. Relay information on water quality, fish health and other observations to the Assistant Manager Fish Health and Lab.

11. Communicate information to supervisors and peers by telephone or in person.

12. Collect and perform fish tissue sampling, water sampling and testing along with feed sampling.

13. Perform routine fish husbandry tasks by following standard operating procedures and work instructions.

14. Conduct fish treatments as directed to ensure proper care

15. Conduct routine maintenance and cleaning of aquaculture systems, equipment and production areas.

16. Prepare daily feed rations, feed fish and monitor feeding behavior. Record observations and report to management.

17. Conduct mortality removal, record necessary data and report concerns to management.

18. Record all necessary oxygen, water and aquaculture system data, report deviations to management.  Input daily data registrations ensuring accurate and timely reporting.\

19. Complete equipment inspections, checklists and calibrations.

20. Operate hoists, lifts, cranes and pallet jacks to move feed and other supplies following all equipment safety procedures.

21. When requested, assist with fish moving events using nets, crowders, pumps and other supporting equipment.

22. Adhere to biosecurity, occupational health and safety, and food safety practices while performing assigned tasks.

23. Participate in weekend cover rotations to maintain production operations.

24. Follow 5S standards for workplace organization and cleanliness.

25. Suggest process improvements

26. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in line with Superior Fresh's core values.

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic knowledge of laboratory practices and lab equipment

• Strong communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Effective time management and organizational skills.

• Work independently as well as in a team environment.

• Attention to detail.

• Excellent hand-eye coordination

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to encourage the building of mutual trust, respect and cooperation among team members.

• Attend onsite classes to understand the practices of Superior Fresh.

• Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Effort & Work Environment

• Must be able to lift materials weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Work in a wet and cold environment