Hatchery Manager

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 26962
Agency: Department of Game, Fish and Parks - Wildlife
Location: Waubay
Salary: $65,421.22 to $77,860.48 annually, Depending on Experience
Pay Grade: GK
Closing Date: 05/20/2024

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/ .

This position oversees the operation of Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery which produces cold, cool, and warmwater fish. Responsibilities include the supervision or subordinate employees, administration, fish culture, fish health management, fish stocking, and equipment maintenance. The successful candidate will lead change at the hatchery as production expands into Recirculating Aquaculture Systems technology. In addition, this position will also focus on increasing production from extensive (pond) rearing and intensive flow-through aquaculture, and developing and investigating new and innovative approaches to fish rearing. In addition, this position will work closely with fisheries management staff (particularly in the local area), to involve them in hatchery operations, stocking, and construction.

The successful applicant will not be required to live at the hatchery, although hatchery housing is available, but will be required to be on-call.

This position works around hazardous mechanical and electrical equipment and high intensity noise; is exposed to allergenic and irritating substances; climbs, lifts, and works in all weather conditions in cold water and on slippery surfaces; inspects and maintains equipment in confined and awkward spaces; and drives heavily loaded vehicles for long distances. Night and weekend work is required at certain times of the year, as is travel within and outside the state. Rotating on-call responsibilities apply to this position.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid South Dakota Driver's license

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• an undergraduate degree in aquaculture, biology, fisheries, or engineering; M.S. in aquaculture or MBA is preferred;
• experience rearing a variety of fish species using a variety of techniques and equipment;
• experience leading change and establishing an engaging, innovative, and positive work culture;
• understanding of aquaculture engineering, especially with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems;
• a sense of urgency, infectious energy, and a joy for life in a rural setting;
• a willingness to engage undergraduate students and mentor interns;
• experience leading a small team to new levels of productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction;
• an understanding of hatchery infrastructure, particularly as it relates to maintenance needs, life-spans, and upgrades;
• excellent communication skills;
• the abilities to engage and effectively interact with management staff, staff from other hatcheries (including those in other states), administrators, and support staff in accounting, human resources, purchasing, federal aid, engineering, and other areas;
• an understanding of State policies and procedures, especially with purchasing, accounting coding, and other paperwork;
• a strong desire to excel and seek the best for the people they supervise.

Knowledge of:

• fish rearing techniques using ponds, flow-through systems, and recirculating aquaculture;
• effective supervision methods, including work direction, feedback, and progressive discipline;
• organizational strategies;
• leadership styles, including the appropriate times to use different styles;
• infrastructure maintenance and planning for replacement;
• occupational safety and health as it relates to hatchery operations;
• principles of human relations;
• effective communication techniques;
• department policies, procedures, and planning;
• experimental design and aquaculture research;
• laws and regulations regarding hiring and personnel management.

Skill to:

• effectively plan and organize work for themselves and other hatchery employees;
• plan and develop both short-term and long-term hatchery budgets;
• conduct interviews and hire interns, seasonals, and permanent staff;
• use MS Office programs to maximize efficiencies and improve communication;
• maximize the efficient use of state resources;
• never be satisfied with the status quo; continually lead the hatchery forward;
• establish a positive hatchery work culture of innovation, accountability, and recognition;
• lead by example and instill confidence in hatchery staff;
• evaluate and apply hatchery-related research and experimentation;
• perform construction-related activities.

Ability to:

• develop, communicate, and implement a vision for hatchery operations;
• maintain high levels of employee engagement and work satisfaction;
• develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with fisheries managers, hatchery managers, and other staff;
• involve fisheries management area staff (locally and statewide) in hatchery operations, stocking, and construction activities;
• recruit volunteers, interns, and permanent staff;
• represent the hatchery and Department in public functions;
• develop contracts and oversee contractors;
• clearly and concisely communicate while speaking and writing;
• motivate and empower volunteers and employees;
• provide work direction and oversight for subordinate employees;
• maintain positive relationships with supervisors, non-hatchery colleagues, support staff, vendors, and contractors;
• maintain high ethical standards.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=PPJ
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"