Aquaculture Engineering Specialist

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Aquaculture Extension Services, the Aquaculture Engineering Specialist is responsible for managing and coordinating all activities for the construction/renovation of fish ponds, marine cages and other holding facilities for fish culture. There is a requirement for the incumbent to conduct surveys of sites and design blueprints for the layout of aquaculture/mariculture facilities and fish ponds. The incumbent also determines the location, specification and design of water control and drainage structures. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative 

• Participates in the preparation of the work programmes, plans and budget for the Aquaculture Extension Services Branch; 
• Supervises the preparation of work plans for direct reports and monitors to ensure that work is carried out as planned and that established targets are met; 
• Represents the Aquaculture Extension Services Branch at conferences, seminars and workshops on aquaculture and related matters; 
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual and ad-hoc reports, papers, briefs and other documents for submission to the Director, Aquaculture Extension Services;

Technical/Professional 

• Facilitates the construction, installation, and renovation of fish holding facilities e.g. ponds, marine cages, concrete tanks or other structures for the holding of fish; 
• Conducts site surveys to determine the layout and placement of fish ponds/marine cages and other fish holding structures on the site; 
• Prepares blue print for the layout of the aquaculture/mariculture facilities and fish ponds;
• Provides supervision for the clearance of land for the construction of ponds for fish culture;
• Supervises the construction and renovation of fish ponds consistent with design and specifications; 
• Identifies the location, specification and design of water control structures specific to the site at which the construction of the fish pond or other fish holding facility is being constructed; 
• Identifies the location, specification and design of drainage infrastructure for fish ponds or other fish holding facility; 
• Assists in the identification of the appropriate resources (e.g. earth moving equipment) required to facilitate the construction of fish ponds/aquaculture facility. 

Human Resource 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action where necessary;
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Makes recommendations to ensure that the welfare and developmental needs of subordinate staff are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals;
• Performs any other related functions which may be assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Oral Communication 
• Written Communication 
• Problem Solving & Decision Making 
• Planning and organizing 
• Customer & Quality Focus 
• Integrity 
• Initiative 
• Teamwork & Cooperation 
• Interpersonal Skills 
• Analytical Thinking 
• Leadership 
• Goal/Result Oriented 
• Managing Partners 
• People Management 
• Managing External Relationships 

Technical 

• Knowledge of the operations of the Government and the NFA and its projects, programmes, organizational policies and procedures, (Local and International, Fisheries act, Staff Orders,) 
• knowledge of the policies and procedures of the National Fisheries Authority;
• Excellent Knowledge of surveying methodologies and techniques for the layout and construction of fish ponds, marine cages and other aquaculture facilities; 
• Sound Knowledge of aquaculture/civil engineering theories, principles & practices.
• Sound Knowledge of machinery used in the construction of fishponds, marine cages and support infrastructure. 
• Working knowledge of the nature and properties of soils. 
• Working knowledge of water currents, wind and wave actions. 
• General awareness of environmental factors that impact or are affected by aquaculture.
• Ability to interpret the suitability of climatic and watershed conditions to determine the suitability of sites for the establishment or installation of an aquaculture facility.
• Use of Technology: Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications (Word, Excel, etc)

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First degree in Civil Engineering or other Engineering Degree 
• Post Graduate/ Specialized training in the construction and design of marine cages, fish farms and fish ponds. 
• Three (3) years experience in a comparable working environment 
• SCUBA Certification and dive experience would be an asset. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Exposure to challenges and crises which require response at very short notice;
• May be necessary to wear protective clothing at times, e.g. rubber boots and to dive underwater; 
• Some exposure to long hours in the sun, dust and water; 
• Required to travel locally and overseas; 
• Exposure to hostile clientele and working in volatile communities; 
• Must be physically fit and able to work productively in a “hands on” work environment 
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Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.