Job Purpose
Under the general direction of the Director, Aquaculture Research Branch, the Aquatic Health Specialist is responsible for undertaking the day-to-day monitoring, control and surveillance of the fish health programme and associated research activities geared toward the effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention of aquatic health problems.
The Aquatic Health Specialist uses various disciplines including fisheries biology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology and histopathology to provide an accurate evaluation of fish health issues. There is a requirement for the incumbent to provide technical advice to fishers and fish farmers in terms of prevention and control of pathogens in the production system.
In addition, the incumbent provides policy guidance, recommends the review of prevention, control and quarantine measures for fish diseases and pathogens as well as provides advice on chemicals and medicines to be used in fish production systems. He/she compiles data and prepares regular and specialized reports.
Key Responsibilities
Technical/Professional
- Formulates the operational plan and budget for the Fish Health Programme
- Coordinates and implements the programme, which is designed to enhance the health of cultured and other fish production/processing systems
- Coordinates with relevant internal and external stakeholders in order to provide accurate evaluations and diagnoses of fish health problems;
- Provides advice on the sources for diagnostic and treatment supplies.
- Deploys material and resources necessary for the implementation of the planned initiatives;
- Collaborates with relevant personnel to ensure that diagnostic and treatment supplies are available in adequate supply and that they are used efficiently;
- Coordinates with relevant health authorities to access diagnostic and treatment supplies
- Collaborates with internal and external entities to facilitate the sharing of relevant information;
- Seeks appropriate specialized assistance in determining the etiology of complex fish health problems;
- Represents the Authority in professional fora related to fish health, including internal and external meetings and working groups as well as local, regional and international conferences, seminars and workshops;
- Writes background papers, briefs, technical reports and other documents, makes presentations at local and international fora as well as at training workshops for technical staff, fish farmers and other stakeholders;
- Advices the Director of the Research Branch on fish health issues and conducts research to determine new treatment measures, new fish disease quarantines or changes in existing fish disease quarantines;
- Maintains and applies current knowledge of research techniques and mechanisms for the aquatic environment to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of fish health diagnostics;
- Designs and conducts research to address fish health concerns, improve understanding and methods of fish health management, and enhance fish production;
- Conducts fish health inspections at fish hatcheries as well as fish production and processing sites:
- Collects and processes samples according to standard methods for routine surveillance testing/inspections and for diagnostic purposes;
- Coordinates with research staff regarding pathogen testing and interpretation of results;
- Disseminates results to research and production staff, extension officers as well as to the Fisheries Statistics and Data Management Branch;
- Conducts annual audits in support of fish health management and aquatic invasive species control and maintains Fish Health Improvement Plans for the Authority’s hatcheries, fishers and fish farmers;
- Presents research findings to external stakeholders in order to expose new initiatives within the fisheries sector
- Contributes to Extension Education Programmes focused on fish health by preparing and presenting technical information on the subject;
- Collaborates with the Veterinary Services Division (VSD), where necessary, in determining the potential harm to the country of fish imports;
- Makes recommendations on requests for live fish import permits and advises on the movement of fish between production sites;
- Maintains a network of other experts engaged in the evaluation and diagnosis of fish diseases to facilitate sharing of relevant information and data
- Makes contributions to and prepares publication for fish producers and their customers on fish health management practices;
- Assists the Authority in the evaluation of various fish and fish product ventures by undertaking surveillance for fish pathogens and making appropriate recommendations;
- Performs other related duties which may be assigned from time to time by the Director, Aquaculture Research Branch
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
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,)
- Diagnostic Oversight & Aquatic Biosecurity: Demonstrates the ability to direct national diagnostic protocols for the identification of infectious agents and environmental stressors. Ability design of biosecurity frameworks and disease-prevention programs to minimize morbidity and mortality across the aquaculture sub-sector.
- Fish Health Research Governance & Methodology: Expertly governs the design and execution of specialized fish health research. Ability to establish high-level experimental standards and investigative techniques to ensure research findings are scientifically robust, peer-review ready, and applicable to industry challenges.
- Integrated Aquatic Biosciences & Genetics: Proficient in the integrated application of pathology, parasitology, and genetics to optimize hatchery production systems. Ability to provide executive technical guidance on the biological requirements for species conservation and the development of genetically resilient aquatic populations.
- Pharmacological Stewardship & Therapeutic Management: Leads the development of standardized therapeutic protocols and pharmacological guidelines for the aquaculture industry. This includes ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficacious use of aquatic drugs and dosage levels to maintain animal welfare and food safety standards.
- Nutritional Strategy & Production Optimization - ability to oversee the formulation of optimal nutritional strategies and production practices. This includes evaluating diet ingredients and feed conversion efficiencies to improve the commercial viability and growth performance of national fish stocks.
- Use of technology – Proficiency in relevant computer applications (Microsoft office suite, and other relevant software)
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
OR
- Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences or related area of study, Plus
- Specialized training in Fish Health diagnosis, treatment and management
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- Exposed to medium stress and required to respond to challenges at very short notice
- Required to work in ponds, brackish, riverine, coastal and offshore marine environment
- Exposed to long periods in direct sunlight
- Exposed to long periods of standing
- Exposure to work in static and flowing water and is exposed to regular wetting
- May encounter predatory aquatic animals
- Moderate Travelling islandwide and overseas
- Exposed to working in volatile communities
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Occasional diving
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
