About this role
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. NOTE: The recruiter is reviewing