Aquaculture Officer

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Senior Director, Aquaculture Planning, Development & Management (Level 9), the Aquaculture Officer (Level 6), has responsibility for assisting in the development and implementation of aquaculture management plans, thus ensuring that aquaculture is developed and conducted in a responsible manner. 

The incumbent participates in monitoring the performance of plans as well as adherence to environmental standards for aquaculture activities; assists senior officers and relevant agencies in managing the inflow and outflow of water to fish farming areas and assists in designing plans to respond to emergencies in the sector including disease outbreaks, natural disasters and pollution spills. 

The incumbent also provides ongoing support services for the development and implementation of the programmes and projects of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA). 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional 

• Undertakes the formulation of preliminary management development plans for the farming of tilapia, shrimp and ornamental fish in coastal and inland areas as well as for mariculture in the assigned geographical zone; 
• Collects and provides data on the ecological, social, economic and biological characteristics of the environment within the assigned geographical area to inform the identification of core zones for different aquaculture activities; 
• Assists in analyzing data for core zones and in recommending plans and management measures to effect improvements; 
• Implements and monitors specific aquaculture management and development planning activities for the core zones; 
• Disseminates development planning information to economic interests, fish farmers and other stakeholders within the zone to stimulate interest; 
• Examines proposals submitted by potential fish farmers for the development of aquaculture within the core zones and advises the Senior Aquaculture Management Officer on economic feasibility; 
• Liaises and coordinates with relevant Agencies such as NEPA on environmental and land use issues and assists in designing and implementing plans to ensure the best utilization of lands in the zones for aquaculture development; 
• Participates in the development and implementation of aquaculture specific emergency management plans to respond to incidents such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks and pollution spills; 
• Makes recommendations to the Senior Aquaculture Management Officer for the institution of controls such as buffer zones to manage water supplies to fish farming areas to prevent the input of pesticides as well as the outflow of pollutants; 
• Participates in the development of fish farm quality standards and the design of systems and procedures to monitor their implementation; 
• Makes recommendations for the review of standards to maintain the quality of fish farms based on feedback/data received from other Branches within the Division;
• Provides technical information and advice to the Director, Aquaculture Planning, Development & Management, through the Senior Aquaculture Management Officer on the zoning and expansion of fish farming in the assigned geographic area; 
• Attends local, regional and international training seminars, workshops and conferences to keep abreast of best practices in aquaculture management planning; 
• Participates in local workshops and seminars to share global practices relating to aquaculture planning, development and management; 
• Participates in the revision of policy guidelines in order to meet the global changes in the aquaculture sub-sector; 
• Performs other duties which may be assigned from time to time by the Senior Aquaculture Planning Officer or other senior officers of the Branch/Division; 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Oral Communication 
• Written Communication 
• Customer & Quality Focus 
• Interpersonal Skills 
• Teamwork and Cooperation 
• Integrity 
• Planning & organizing
• Initiative 
• Managing External Relationships 
• Analytical Thinking 

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,) 
• Good knowledge of Aquaculture planning and management protocols
• Good knowledge of fish farm standards and quality assessment methodologies.
• Understanding issues of relevance to responsible aquaculture including environment and social issues. 
• Use of Technology Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite) 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First Degree in the Natural/Social Sciences or in a related discipline with specialized training in Fisheries (Aquaculture/Natural Resources) Management and Conservation
• Two (2) years experience in a comparable working environment 

Special Condition Associated with the Job

• Exposure to harsh working environment (e.g. aquatic and offshore areas)
• Extensive periods in the field during terrestrial operations 
• Exposure to hostile clientele and situations where safety and security may be at risk
• Required to travel island-wide, including travel to remote locations and also travels overseas to regional and international meetings and conferences 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.