Aquaculture Engineering Specialist

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the 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 OUTPUTS

• Fish holding facilities designed and constructed 
• Fish ponds and marine cages constructed or renovated 
• Site surveys conducted 
• Blueprints/drawings prepared 
• Technical advice provided 
• Appropriate construction equipment and material identified/recommended 
• Records maintained 
• Reports produced 
• Staff performance evaluated 
• Training recommended 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• 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 Responsibilities 

• Facilitates the construction, installation, 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 blueprint 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 facilities. 

Human Resource Responsibilities 

• 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. 

Other Responsiblities

• Performs any other related functions which may be assigned from time to time. 

AUTHORITY

• Recommends designs for farm systems 
• Prepares blueprints 
• Recommends training, vacation and departmental leave 
• Certifies travelling and other claims 
• Recommends payments 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Fish holding facilities designed and constructed in accordance with the characteristics of the specific environment and within the agreed timeframe. 
• Site surveys conducted in accordance with established environmental standards and Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP); 
• Fish ponds and marine cages constructed or renovated in accordance with established industry standards and within the agreed time frame. 
• Blueprints/drawings are accurate, depict appropriate layout and prepared within the agreed time-frame. 
• Accurate technical advice is consistently provided within the agreed timeframe.
• Accurate recommendations for construction equipment or material provided in a timely manner
• Accurate records maintained in accordance with established guidelines. 
• Reports produced, submitted within required time frame and in accordance with the established format. 
• Training needs identified and recommendations for address are promptly submitted. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

CORE: 

• Good leadership and management skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Strong problem solving and conflict management skills 
• Excellent knowledge of relevant Computer applications and software 

TECHNICAL 

• Sound knowledge of the Fisheries Act and related regulations and guidelines;
• Sound 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 fish ponds, 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;

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

We appreciate your interest in these positions; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.