Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians · Michigan · posted today
Job Title: Hatchery Maintenance Technician Department: Natural Resources Department Reports to: Hatchery Manager Salary Range: $19.21 to $31.25 per hour ($39,956.80 to $65,000.00) Annually Status: Non-Exempt Level: G4 Opens: October 05, 2026 Closes: Until Filled SUMMARY: The Hatchery Maintenance Technician leads facility maintenance and grounds care at the LTBB Fisheries Enhancement Facility while executing advanced aquaculture and research operations. Operating under the direction of the Hatchery Manager, this position oversees the maintenance of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), live feed production, outdoor pond culture, and routine fish propagation. Additionally, the Hatchery Maintenance Technician collaborates within the Great Lakes Program to assist with research design, protocol development, data management, and operational upkeep to ensure peak facility performance. The exclusive purpose of this position is to work in Whitefish and Whitefish related restoration activities, supported by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust Directed Lake Whitefish Funding Initiative. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Facility & Mechanical Maintenance • Lead the facility maintenance and infrastructure upkeep program for the hatchery. • Oversee the continuous operation, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), pumps, filtration units, and bio-filters. • Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on department vehicles, machinery, and equipment on site. • Execute basic mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing repairs as needed across all facility systems. • Maintain strict biosecurity by cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining hatchery holding tanks, trucks, nets, field gear, and working areas. • Participate in a scheduled on-call rotation to respond to facility alarms and emergencies during off-hours as assigned. Hatchery Operations & Fish Culture • Assist with all phases of fish culture, including egg collection, incubation, fry and fingerling rearing, and fish stocking activities. • Cultivate and maintain live feed cultures (e.g., zooplankton, Artemia, bloodworms, algae) to support aquaculture research and species propagation. • Assist with the outdoor rearing pond culture program, including routine water quality monitoring (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH) and fish health tracking (growth, weight, disease monitoring). • Conduct biological subsampling programs and provide logistical support for fish health testing. Fieldwork & Sampling • Assist in fish gamete collection using a variety of gear types (e.g., gill nets, seines, impoundment nets, electroshocking). Research, Data & Administration • Collaborate with the Hatchery Manager, Great Lakes Fisheries Manager, or Natural Resource Director to research operational topics and develop culture methodologies for new target species. • Process biological samples and maintain detailed, accurate logs of research and production data. • Assist the Hatchery Manager with preparing operational reports, data summaries, and presentations. • Utilize specialized software and technology to manage records, map data, and track operations (e.g., ArcGIS, QCapture, Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, R, QGIS). EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum Requirements (Required) • Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited college or university in fisheries, aquatic science, hatchery management, or a closely related field. • Experience: Practical experience working in fisheries, aquatic systems, or hatchery operations. Preferred Qualifications • Experience: Two (2) years of demonstrated hands-on experience in hatchery operations. • Specialized Experience: Direct experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). • Education/Experience Substitution: A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the preferred operational experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Required Qualifications • Technical & Mechanical Systems: Strong practical knowledge of mechanical systems, including small engines, electric motors, HVAC, and plumbing, with the demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and biological issues. • Aquaculture & Systems Knowledge: Working knowledge of Great Lakes fisheries, natural resource management, and aquaculture infrastructure-specifically Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). • Field & Operational Skills: Proven experience operating and trailering boats, conducting field sampling, collecting gametes, handling fish, and adhering to strict sanitary/biosecurity protocols. • Software & Data Proficiency: Demonstrated competency with spreadsheet, database, mapping, and analytical software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Access, R, QGIS, ArcGIS). • Problem Solving & Adaptability: Ability to troubleshoot challenges independently for extended periods, as well as collaborate effectively within a team environment. • Communication: Excel in a team-oriented environment. Preferred Qualifications • Specialized Aquaculture: Direct experience with live feed cultivation (zooplankton, Artemia, algae) and the rearing of warm- and cold-water fish species (specifically Great Lakes salmonids, percids, and lake sturgeon). • Tribal & Agency Collaboration: Prior experience collaborating with Tribal organizations, natural resource agencies, or inter-departmental teams. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Mobility & Posture: Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when working around rearing units, raceways, and field gear. • Aquatic Activities: Must be able to balance, climb, and swim safely in or near water, docks, and boats. • Lifting & Moving Requirements: • Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds • Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds • occasionally lift and/or move loads exceeding 50 pounds using team lifts or mechanical assistance. • Vision & Driving: Must possess the physical capability to drive and operate vehicles/vessels safely at night and under low-light conditions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Environmental Exposure: Frequently exposed to wet, cold, and humid conditions, both indoors (hatchery floor) and outdoors. • Field Conditions: Work occurs on uneven surfaces, concrete floors, docks, vessels, and in/near bodies of water. • Mechanical & Operational Hazards: Regular proximity to moving mechanical parts, power tools, and specialized aquaculture systems. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: • On-Call Compensation: On-call shifts and active emergency response hours will be compensated in accordance with LTBB Tribal Employment Policies and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines. • Residency Requirement: To ensure facility safety and rapid response to biological or mechanical emergencies, the selected candidate must reside within a 25-minute travel radius of the hatchery (or relocate within this radius upon hire). • On-Call Rotation: The technician will participate in a scheduled on-call rotation as coordinated by the Hatchery Manager. Must arrive at the facility within 25 minutes of notification to address active emergencies. Must acknowledge all automated hatchery alarms or emergency calls within 15 minutes of receipt. • On-Call Radius: While on call, the technician must remain within the 25-minute response radius, stay fit for duty, and maintain immediate phone/alarm availability. • On-Call Autonomy: Independently manage, troubleshoot, and resolve facility emergencies during on-call shifts. Exercise sound judgment to resolve issues autonomously and minimize off-hours escalation to the Hatchery Manager or off-duty staff. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and be insurable by LTBB's carrier for duration of employment. Position is contingent upon completing and passing a comprehensive background check. Must have a good work history with LTBB, if previously employed by the Tribe. INDIAN PREFERENCE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: In accordance with Waganakising Odawak Statute 2002-04 (Indian Preference in Tribal Employment) and LTBB Tribal Policy, hiring preference will be granted to qualified applicants in the following order: • Citizens of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) • Citizens of other federally recognized North American Indian Tribes (FRNAI) Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, experience, background, abilities, and education specified for the position to be deemed qualified. Except as provided by tribal law regarding Indian Preference, all employment decisions will be made without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, marital status, disability, perceived disability, or sexual orientation (pursuant to WOS 2008-011 Fair Employment).
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