About Us

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has a legislated mandate to manage, promote, support, and develop the fishing, aquaculture, sport fishing and seafood processing industries that contribute to the economic, environmental, and social prosperity of Nova Scotia's coastal and rural communities. As a department, we work to promote Nova Scotia as Canada's premier fish and seafood province. 
 

https://novascotia.ca/fish/
 

Want to know more about this exciting role?  CHECK THIS OUT: Nova Scotia Fishing Hatcheries - YouTube

What You Need To Know

If your passion is about the livelihood and sustainability of hatchery life this could be the perfect opportunity for you! 

This exciting opportunity is in Fraser’s Mills in beautiful Antigonish County, Nova Scotia.  Antigonish has small-town charm that is bursting with authentic experiences made just for you.  Find out more at Town of Antigonish | Home.

Fraser's Mills Hatchery raise over a million trout (brook, brown and rainbow) and Atlantic salmon annually to stock the province’s lakes and rivers in support of the recreational fishery. These fish may be observed in the 37 outdoor ponds. At the visitor centre, learn about the hatchery and local angling

About Our Opportunity

While this role reports to the Manager of Fisheries Enhancement, you as the Hatchery Supervisor will manage the day to day administrative, biological, and technical operations of the Fraser’s Mills Fish Hatchery.

Some of the other exciting responsibilities include:
 

• Maintain the hatchery contribution to the provincial sportfish enhancement programs through continuing propagation, enhancement, and research activities.
• Supervise the care and maintenance of the hundreds of thousands of fish and over one million eggs, on site, from various salmonid species, monitor fish health and following general fish health related protocols, administer therapeutic treatments where necessary. 
• Supervise the use, maintenance, and repair of this fish culture facility, including various buildings, dams and associated properties, distribution vehicles and specialized aquaculture related equipment

Primary Accountabilities

As the Hatchery Supervisor, you will:

• Be responsible for managing unique genetic strains of broodstock necessary for various fisheries enhancement programs across Nova Scotia.
• Oversee the distribution of trout to hundreds of lakes and streams throughout Nova Scotia, as well as urban sites in the Halifax Regional Municipality and maintain a computer data base of hatchery distributions.
• Work closely with the Manager of Fisheries Enhancement to develop outreach initiatives and promote sport fishery enhancement opportunities.
• Ensure all relevant regulatory and program requirements are met through effective stewardship.
• Directly responsible for the supervision of six hatchery technicians, including shift scheduling, training, and general human resource requirements as well as OH&S and budgetary management practices.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelor’s degree in Science or related degree plus six (6) years of experience working with freshwater fisheries aquaculture production systems and fisheries enhancement OR a masters of science plus four (4) years related experience working with freshwater fisheries aquaculture production systems and fisheries enhancement. 

Other experience includes:

• Familiarity with various regulations, policies, and practices related to the enhancement of recreational fisheries as well as general knowledge of issues relating to the management of the inland sport fishery is required.
• A broad range of skills and in-depth knowledge in many fields to make effective decisions and manage a diverse set of demands.
• Effective communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are critical for success in this position, to effectively lead and manage staff and volunteers, to build relationships and partnerships, and to work constructively with peers, researchers, and a diverse group of stakeholders. 
• Solid analytical skills and the ability to work independently and work well under pressure to ensure the delivery of departmental programs and services. 
• A working knowledge of PC based computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, data management and presentation packages are required. 
• Experience in fisheries field work such as broodstock collection, electrofishing, air brakes endorsement, driving 3 and 5-ton trucks and working with the public are assets.
• Experience with aquaculture systems, equipment and working in fast-paced environment. 
• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff and performing administrative tasks. 

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Dynamic and rapidly changing environment
• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths